A hearty and flavorful casserole that brings together tender chicken, aromatic cabbage, spices, and creamy cheese, paired with buttery bulgur and garlicky cherry tomatoes for a complete and nourishing meal.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: European, Fusion
Ingredients
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3 large eggs
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Salt (to taste)
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Pepper blend (to taste)
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3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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100 grams flour
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300 grams chicken breast fillet, diced
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Vegetable oil (for cooking)
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Butter (for flavor)
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Paprika (to taste)
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Dried garlic or garlic powder (to taste)
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Ground black pepper (to taste)
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Curry powder (to taste)
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1 kg cabbage, shredded
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1 salad onion (mild variety)
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1 medium carrot, grated
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Spring onions, chopped
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100 grams cheese (grated, semi-hard or melting cheese)
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1 onion (for bulgur)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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150 grams bulgur
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300 ml water
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Cherry tomatoes (a handful)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by whisking the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper blend to season. Whisk in mayonnaise to create a rich batter. Gradually add flour while whisking to create a smooth, slightly thick mixture. -
Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Dice the chicken breast and season with paprika, dried garlic, black pepper, curry, and a little salt. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and lightly sauté the chicken until golden and sealed, not fully cooked. Set aside to cool. -
Cook the Vegetables
In another pan, heat vegetable oil and sauté the shredded cabbage until it begins to soften. Add the grated carrot and chopped salad onion. Season with salt, pepper blend, and curry. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Let them cool slightly before mixing. -
Assemble the Casserole
In a mixing bowl, combine the egg-flour mixture with sautéed chicken and the cooked vegetable mix. Stir in chopped spring onions and half the grated cheese. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. -
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake the casserole at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. -
Make the Bulgur Side
While the casserole is baking, heat a small amount of oil and butter in a saucepan. Sauté chopped onion until soft. Add minced garlic and stir briefly until aromatic. Add bulgur and toast lightly. Pour in water, add salt, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and bulgur is fluffy. -
Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes
In a small skillet, heat some butter and toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cook gently with a pinch of salt until the tomatoes blister slightly and release their juices. Optionally, add extra garlic or herbs for flavor. -
Serve
Serve a generous portion of the baked chicken cabbage casserole with a scoop of bulgur and a spoonful of sautéed cherry tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 390 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Fat: 21 g
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Carbohydrates: 24 g
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Fiber: 4 g
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Sugar: 5 g
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Sodium: Moderate
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Cholesterol: 130 mg
Origins and Popularity
This dish draws inspiration from hearty Eastern European casseroles, where cabbage is often a central ingredient. The inclusion of bulgur, a Middle Eastern grain, gives this recipe a wholesome twist and added nutritional depth. The mix of creamy, spicy, and earthy flavors makes this fusion dish a comfort food favorite across regions.
Reasons to Love This Dish
This chicken cabbage bake is a winner for weeknight dinners and meal prep alike. It’s rich in protein and fiber, with layers of flavor from spices, sautéed vegetables, and golden cheese. The bulgur and cherry tomato side adds a fresh and juicy contrast that balances the heavier baked dish perfectly. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to customize based on seasonal veggies or your favorite spice blend.
Health Benefits
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Cabbage is packed with vitamin C, K, and antioxidants that support immunity and digestion.
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Chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and metabolic health.
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Bulgur wheat is high in fiber and minerals like manganese and iron, promoting heart health and steady energy.
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Garlic and onions offer natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Carrots and tomatoes are rich in beta-carotene and lycopene, which benefit vision and reduce oxidative stress.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, a cucumber yogurt dip, or a glass of cold buttermilk. For a heartier meal, you can add a slice of rustic bread or toasted flatbread. For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the bulgur and garnish with extra cherry tomatoes.
Cooking Tips
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Make sure the cabbage is well-sautéed but not too soft before adding to the mix. It continues cooking in the oven.
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Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for the cheese topping to achieve a stretchy and flavorful crust.
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You can prepare the bulgur in advance and reheat it just before serving.
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Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set better.
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Don’t skip the garlic-tomato topping—it adds a wonderful tangy contrast to the creamy dish.
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.
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Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
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Cheese Swap: Try using feta or gouda instead of the usual cheese blend for a different flavor.
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Grain Swap: Replace bulgur with quinoa or couscous if preferred.
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Add Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or thyme can elevate the freshness of the entire dish.
Conclusion
This baked chicken cabbage casserole with bulgur and cherry tomatoes is more than just a meal—it’s a wholesome and flavorful celebration of comfort food with a nutritious twist. From the richness of the spiced chicken and creamy cheese to the fiber-rich bulgur and vibrant cherry tomatoes, every component is thoughtfully balanced. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. Its easy preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it an instant go-to recipe in any kitchen.
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve.
2. Is bulgur gluten-free?
No, bulgur contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, substitute with rice or quinoa.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool, portion it, and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. What other vegetables can I use?
You can include bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini depending on your taste.
5. How do I make it lower in fat?
Use low-fat mayonnaise, less cheese, and minimal butter or oil during cooking.
6. Can I make this dish without mayonnaise?
Yes, substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
7. Is it possible to cook this in an air fryer?
Portion the mixture into muffin molds or ramekins to bake in an air fryer at 180°C for about 15–20 minutes.
8. What cheese works best here?
Semi-hard cheeses like mozzarella, Emmental, or cheddar give the best melt and flavor.
9. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder to the chicken mix.
10. Can I serve this cold?
While best served warm, it can also be enjoyed cold as a picnic-style meal or lunchbox dish.