Comforting, rich, and packed with both protein and fiber, this chicken shank stew paired with a hearty bulgur pilaf is a delightful, nourishing meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The chicken is marinated and braised until tender, then enveloped in a velvety cream sauce infused with mustard, paprika, and garlic. The bulgur, meanwhile, is sautéed with vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering a nutty, earthy balance to the savory stew. This recipe blends rustic cooking with elegant flavors, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Cooking Time
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Preparation time: 30 minutes
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Marination time: 30 minutes
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Cooking time: 50 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
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2 chicken shanks
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Salt to taste
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Black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon curry powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinating)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 large tomato, chopped
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200 ml grated tomatoes (about 3/4 cup)
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100 ml broth (chicken or vegetable)
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1 tablespoon flour
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150 ml cream (heavy or cooking cream)
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1 teaspoon mustard
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Additional salt and pepper to taste
For the Bulgur Pilaf:
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1 cup bulgur
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 small red onion, chopped
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 carrot, grated
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1 cup mushrooms, chopped
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian herbs
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2 tablespoons chopped green onions
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2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken shanks with salt, black pepper, curry powder, and olive oil. Mix well, ensuring the shanks are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken shanks and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Add the chopped tomato, grated tomatoes, and broth to the pan. Stir well and return the chicken shanks to the mixture. Cover and let it stew for 20–25 minutes on medium-low heat.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Pour it into the pan and stir. Add cream, mustard, paprika, and adjust salt and pepper. Simmer for another 20–25 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is tender.
6. Prepare the Bulgur Pilaf:
While the chicken is stewing, heat vegetable oil and butter in another pan. Add chopped red onion and cook until soft. Add grated carrot and chopped mushrooms, sauté for 5–6 minutes.
7. Add Bulgur and Simmer:
Stir in the bulgur, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Pour in enough hot water to cover the bulgur by about 1 inch. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes or until the bulgur is tender and liquid absorbed.
8. Finish the Bulgur:
Fluff the bulgur with a fork. Stir in chopped green onions and parsley.
9. Serve:
Plate the creamy chicken stew alongside a generous scoop of vegetable bulgur pilaf. Garnish with more fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 580 kcal
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Protein: 34g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 30g
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Fiber: 7g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 720mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where chicken, bulgur, and spices like curry and paprika are staples. Braised chicken in creamy sauces is reminiscent of Turkish and Levantine stews, while pilafs with vegetables and bulgur are common in regions like Anatolia and the Caucasus. The marriage of these two elements creates a dish that’s both grounded in tradition and adaptable to modern kitchens, gaining popularity across YouTube and social platforms for its richness and simplicity.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Rich, creamy sauce with balanced spices
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Nutritious and hearty thanks to bulgur and vegetables
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Easy to prepare ahead and reheat for meals throughout the week
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Comfort food that feels both rustic and refined
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Customizable with vegetables and spice levels to suit taste
Health Benefits
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Bulgur is high in fiber, promoting digestive health
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Chicken is a lean protein source
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Tomatoes and carrots add antioxidants and vitamins A and C
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Garlic and herbs support immune function
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Mushrooms contribute B vitamins and plant-based nutrients
Serving Suggestions
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Garnish the chicken with extra chopped parsley or fresh dill
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Serve with a crisp green salad or yogurt cucumber dip (like tzatziki)
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Add a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten the creamy sauce
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Pair with crusty bread to mop up the sauce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping the marination: it enhances the flavor of the chicken
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Using cold cream: always use room temperature cream to prevent curdling
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Overcooking the bulgur: it can become mushy if left too long
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Not sautéing vegetables enough: this deepens the flavor
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Adding cream too early: always add cream toward the end to preserve texture
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverage: Try a glass of chilled white wine (Chardonnay or Riesling)
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Salad: A cucumber-yogurt salad or tomato-onion salad with lemon juice
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Bread: Pita, lavash, or rustic sourdough
Cooking Tips
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Use bone-in chicken shanks for more flavor and moisture
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To make it spicy, add chili flakes or harissa to the tomato sauce
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Toast bulgur briefly before adding water for a nuttier flavor
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Substitute cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version
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Add peas, spinach, or zucchini to the stew for variety
Similar Recipes to Try
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Creamy Paprika Chicken with Rice
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Turkish Bulgur Pilaf with Tomato
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Chicken Fricassee
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Middle Eastern Mujaddara (Lentils and Bulgur)
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Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use chickpeas or white beans
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Low-fat: Use light cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
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Spicy version: Add a fresh chili or use spicy curry powder
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One-pot version: Cook the bulgur directly in the stew for a risotto-like dish
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Alternative grains: Try quinoa or couscous in place of bulgur
Ingredient Spotlight: Bulgur
Bulgur is a quick-cooking whole grain made from cracked wheat, common in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s a nutritional powerhouse, high in fiber and minerals like iron and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it a perfect base for pilafs, salads, and stews. Compared to rice, bulgur has a lower glycemic index, making it ideal for blood sugar control.
Conclusion
This chicken shank stew with bulgur pilaf is a soul-warming, flavorful dish that’s ideal for family meals or casual entertaining. The savory, creamy sauce complements the herbed bulgur perfectly, creating a satisfying plate that balances comfort with nutrition. Whether you’re cooking to impress or looking for a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe offers flavor, simplicity, and tradition all in one.
10 Comprehensive FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of shanks?
Yes, boneless or bone-in chicken thighs work well and cook faster than shanks.
2. What can I substitute for cream?
Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or a roux-thickened milk base can replace cream.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu for a plant-based version.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
5. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, both the stew and bulgur pilaf freeze well. Store separately in freezer-safe containers.
6. How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild as written. For more heat, add chili flakes, cayenne, or fresh chili.
7. Can I cook bulgur in broth for more flavor?
Yes, cooking bulgur in chicken or vegetable broth enhances its taste.
8. What’s the best cream to use?
Use heavy cream for richness or cooking cream for a lighter option.
9. Is bulgur gluten-free?
No, bulgur is made from wheat and is not suitable for gluten-free diets.
10. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, marinate the chicken, then combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Add cream in the last hour.