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Easy & Delicious Chicken Couscous Recipes

This Chicken Couscous recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a healthy weeknight meal, providing a balance of protein, fiber, and warmth. Inspired by North African and Mediterranean flavors, this dish features a delicious blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, complemented by the sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts.

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 cups couscous
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
    • 2 cups chicken broth or water
    • ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
    • ¼ cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
    • ¼ cup slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon harissa paste for heat

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the couscous:

      • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth or water to a boil.
      • Remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes.
      • Fluff with a fork before serving.

    2. Cook the chicken:

      • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
      • Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

    3. Sauté the aromatics:

      • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
      • Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
      • Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

    4. Simmer the sauce:

      • Add the diced tomatoes and chickpeas to the skillet.
      • Stir in the raisins (or apricots) and return the cooked chicken to the pan.
      • Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the flavors meld together.

    5. Combine and serve:

      • Fluff the couscous again and mix in the lemon juice and chopped parsley (or cilantro).
      • Serve the chicken mixture over the couscous.
      • Garnish with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch.

    6. Optional: Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a spoonful of harissa for spice.

    Notes

    • Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more cinnamon for sweetness or harissa for extra heat.
    • Protein Variations: Try swapping the chicken for lamb, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
    • Make It More Nutritious: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
    • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.