This colorful and richly filled Chicken Couscous is a delicious meal that checks all the boxes.
I honestly can’t find too many recipes that check more boxes than this chicken couscous recipe. Obviously, it tastes great. It features a perfect blend of chicken, vegetables, and spices. It’s also a healthy and nutritious meal, which is always important when weighing which dishes to serve my family. Even better, this recipe is simple to make.
However, the variety and versatility of the recipe are perhaps what stand out the most. You can make it work with any cut of chicken. You can also play around with the vegetables and spices. And, in my experience, even the leftovers of chicken couscous taste amazing—it’s the meal that just keeps on giving!
Is Chicken Couscous Healthy?
Couscous is low in calories and a source of protein and selenium. The boneless and skinless chicken breasts are also an excellent source of protein. The bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For some people, the sodium content may be a little high, so opt for low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt you add. This recipe can easily be made suitable for vegans/vegetarians by replacing the chicken with mock “chicken” pieces and using vegetable stock.
Toast and Marinate
There are a few ways to turn the flavor of chicken couscous up a notch. One of the easiest tricks is toasting the couscous in a little olive oil before adding it to the dish. A pinch of cinnamon with the couscous is also a nice touch. If you have the time and forethought, marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade overnight. But to complement the couscous and the other flavors in this recipe, a marinade of tomato paste, garlic, and red wine vinegar works best.
How To Make Ahead and store
Chicken couscous is a great make-ahead meal. Prepare the recipe as directed, then allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture, or warm it in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
You can also freeze the dish by letting it cool completely and then storing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Even though chicken couscous already has vegetables, a vegetable side dish is always a good idea. I would recommend Oven-Roasted Vegetables or perhaps Air-Fryer Vegetables, which can be a little healthier. I would also suggest making a salad to complement chicken couscous, especially if it has a Mediterranean theme. For instance, Mediterranean Low-Carb Broccoli Salad or Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta Salad. Finally, I fully endorse topping your chicken couscous with homemade Tzatziki Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup zucchini diced
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the couscous to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the couscous mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the couscous has absorbed the broth.
- Remove from the oven and fluff the couscous with a fork. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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