Craving a delicious and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chicken Couscous recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe provides a simple yet elegant dish, transforming readily available ingredients into a homemade culinary delight. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Couscous: Stir in the couscous and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender.
Step 4: Combine and Serve: Fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Chicken Couscous:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcook the couscous: Overcooked couscous can become mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully.
- Add some spice: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken Couscous: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the couscous along with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Mediterranean Chicken Couscous: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spicy Chicken Couscous: Add a tablespoon of harissa paste or your favorite chili flakes for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from couscous, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate suggests around 350-400 calories per serving, with a moderate amount of protein and fiber.
This quick and easy Chicken Couscous recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner. It's adaptable to your preferences and readily available ingredients, making it a staple recipe for your meal rotation. Enjoy!