Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dinner recipe that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This simple couscous and chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win for everyone! This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, delivering a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes generously with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). This simple step enhances the flavor significantly.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside.
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Prepare the Couscous: In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked couscous to the skillet with the chicken and onion mixture. Stir in the chopped parsley and dried apricots (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately. A sprinkle of extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a lovely fresh touch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Ensure it's cooked through but still juicy.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of the broth will impact the overall taste of the dish. A flavorful broth will enhance the couscous.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a more nutritious and colorful meal. Simply add them to the skillet with the onions.
- Use different dried fruit: Try other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries instead of apricots.
- Add some crunch: Toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios would add a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 10-12g
This easy recipe offers a healthy, delicious, and quick dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great example of how simple ingredients can create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy!