Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Looking for a quick and easy way to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than chicken couscous! Bursting with flavors and incredibly simple to prepare, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Couscous, a staple in North African cuisine, is a fluffy and light grain that pairs perfectly with chicken. The small granules are quick to cook, making couscous an ideal choice for a hectic evening when you want a nutritious meal on the table in no time.
To start off, let’s gather the ingredients for this delectable recipe. You will need:
– 2 cups of couscous
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to get cooking! Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts and cook until they are cooked through and nicely browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking them for a few more minutes until they are slightly softened. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and dried thyme, stirring everything together to let the flavors meld.
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Normally, this involves simply adding boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes until all the water is absorbed.
Once the couscous is ready, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the vegetables. Mix everything together, ensuring the couscous is evenly coated with the aromatic vegetable mixture.
Now, it’s time to slice the chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the couscous and vegetables. Give everything one final good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Voila! Your chicken couscous is ready to be served. This dish can be enjoyed hot as a main course or chilled for a refreshing summer salad. You can also customize it by adding your favorite herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for an extra burst of freshness.
Chicken couscous is not only a delicious meal, but it also checks all the boxes for a healthy and balanced dinner. It is packed with lean protein from the chicken and contains essential vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. Additionally, couscous is a low-fat grain that is easy on the stomach.
When you’re in need of a flavorful and hassle-free dinner option, look no further than chicken couscous. In just a few simple steps, you can create a meal that will satisfy the whole family. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation in no time!