Ready to bring the bold, rich flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen? This irresistible couscous with vegetables and chicken recipe is the perfect blend of health and taste, offering a balanced and delicious meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes. This dish brings together fluffy couscous, tender chicken, and a vibrant medley of vegetables, all seasoned with aromatic spices that will make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This couscous with vegetables and chicken recipe is:
- Quick and Easy: On your table in 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Full of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and wholesome couscous.
- Customizable: Swap vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
- Packed with Flavor: A mouthwatering mix of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric brings the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.
What is Couscous?
Couscous is a staple in Mediterranean and North African cuisines, known for its fluffy texture and versatility. Made from semolina wheat, couscous cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of any dish it’s paired with. It’s commonly used as a base for stews, meats, and vegetables. In this recipe, couscous forms the perfect backdrop for juicy chicken and sautéed vegetables, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Why You Should Try This Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken Recipe
This couscous with vegetables and chicken recipe is a must-try because it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, you might also enjoy our Falafel Wrap Recipe, which pairs wonderfully with this dish for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Ingredients for Irresistible Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
For the Couscous:
- 1 cup couscous (whole wheat or regular)
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- Chickpeas for extra protein
- Raisins or dried apricots for a hint of sweetness
- Pine nuts or almonds for a delightful crunch
How to Make Irresistible Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
- Boil the Broth: In a small pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Couscous: Stir in the couscous, cover the pot, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the couscous has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff with a Fork: Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains, then set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Stir in the zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the cherry tomatoes, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Mix the Chicken with Vegetables: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the couscous onto plates, top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
Tips for Perfect Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
1. Fluff Your Couscous
For light and fluffy couscous, make sure to fluff it with a fork after it’s done absorbing the broth. This keeps it from clumping together and maintains the ideal texture.
2. Switch Up Your Vegetables
This recipe is versatile! You can add or swap out vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted butternut squash to fit your taste.
3. Elevate the Flavor
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Add Texture
Top the dish with toasted pine nuts or almonds for a delicious crunch. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, toss in raisins or dried apricots for a Moroccan-inspired twist.
Variations of Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
1. Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Pair this variation with our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Vegan) for a hearty, plant-based meal.
2. Moroccan-inspired couscous
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the spice mix for a Moroccan flair and toss in some dried apricots or raisins. Garnish with toasted almonds for a sweet-savory combination.
3. Mediterranean Twist
For a Mediterranean spin, mix in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta. This adds tangy, salty flavors that complement the couscous and chicken perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits of Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
This couscous with vegetables and chicken recipe offers plenty of health benefits:
- Couscous: A good source of fiber, couscous provides energy without being heavy, and it’s rich in B vitamins.
- Chicken: A lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots add a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants, boosting your immune system and supporting heart health.
- Spices: The spices in this recipe, like turmeric and cumin, offer anti-inflammatory benefits and add bold flavors.
Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot with lid
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- For the Couscous:
- 1 cup couscous whole wheat or regular
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional Add-ins:
- Chickpeas for extra protein
- Raisins or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness
- Pine nuts or almonds for added crunch
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
- In a small pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, red bell pepper, and carrots. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
- Serve the couscous on plates, topped with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Notes
Add dried apricots or raisins for a Moroccan twist, and sprinkle pine nuts or almonds on top for extra crunch.
Customize the vegetables by adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted butternut squash.
Nutrition
FAQs About Couscous with Vegetables and Chicken
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Couscous with vegetables and chicken is great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze couscous with vegetables and chicken?
Absolutely. Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
3. How do I make couscous more flavorful?
Using chicken broth instead of water adds a lot of flavor to couscous. You can also stir in a little butter or olive oil after cooking, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
4. Is couscous gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free couscous alternatives made from corn or rice.
5. Can I use whole wheat couscous?
Yes, whole wheat couscous is a great, fiber-rich alternative. It has a slightly nuttier flavor and works perfectly in this dish.
Conclusion: A Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Dish
This irresistible couscous with vegetables and chicken is not only easy to prepare but also loaded with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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