One Pan Chicken and Couscous

Golden chicken pieces, nestled amongst fluffy couscous and vibrant vegetables, all infused with aromatic spices, One Pan Chicken and Couscous is a culinary symphony of textures and flavours, brought to life in a single pan. This is not just a simple weeknight dinner; it’s a Mediterranean-inspired feast, where tender chicken and pearl couscous absorb a fragrant broth, mingling with colorful vegetables and warm spices to create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Imagine the enticing steam rising from the pan, filled with golden-brown chicken and perfectly cooked couscous, promising a wholesome and flavourful meal that is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to devour. This recipe is your passport to effortless cooking, bringing the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, ready to be enjoyed with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Effortless One-Pan Cleanup

Simplify your post-dinner routine with the sheer convenience of One Pan Chicken and Couscous. This recipe is a dream for busy cooks, as everything cooks together in a single pan, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavour. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your delicious and fuss-free meal, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Vibrant Mediterranean Flavours

Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast with every mouthful of this flavourful dish. One Pan Chicken and Couscous is infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, combined with fresh vegetables and herbs, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in a single pan. Experience the warmth and vibrancy of these flavours, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine to your table.

Customizable with Seasonal Vegetables

Embrace the flexibility of this adaptable One Pan Chicken and Couscous recipe. It’s a fantastic base for incorporating your favourite seasonal vegetables, allowing you to create a dish that is both delicious and reflective of the freshest produce available. From zucchini and bell peppers in the summer to butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in the fall, this recipe adapts beautifully to showcase the best of every season.

Hearty and Satisfying Family Meal

Enjoy a wholesome and fulfilling meal that the entire family will love with One Pan Chicken and Couscous. The combination of protein-rich chicken, fluffy couscous, and nutritious vegetables creates a balanced and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that is both flavorful and nourishing, ensuring everyone at the table is happy and well-fed.

Impressive Flavor with Minimal Effort

Achieve restaurant-quality flavour with surprising ease using this One Pan Chicken and Couscous recipe. Despite its simple preparation, the combination of spices, herbs, and cooking method creates a dish that tastes incredibly complex and delicious. Impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet-tasting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that flavourful cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients:

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For the Foundation of Flavour and Heartiness

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on. Chicken provides the protein base, becoming tender and flavourful as it cooks alongside the couscous. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks offer richer flavour and remain moist during cooking. Ensure to use halal certified chicken.
• 1.5 cups pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous. Pearl couscous provides a delightful chewy texture and absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully, creating a satisfying base for the dish. Pearl couscous is larger than regular couscous and holds its shape well during cooking.
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, low sodium. Broth is the cooking liquid for the couscous and infuses the entire dish with flavour. Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth and richness to the couscous. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• 1 large onion, chopped. Onion forms the aromatic base, adding savory sweetness and depth of flavour to the dish as it softens and caramelizes. Yellow or white onions are versatile and provide a balanced flavour foundation. Chop into medium pieces for even cooking.
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced. Carrots add sweetness, colour, and a subtle earthy flavour to the dish, complementing the spices and chicken. Carrots provide a touch of sweetness and vibrant colour. Slice into rounds or half-moons for even cooking.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced. Celery adds a subtle savory note and aromatic complexity, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the dish. Celery contributes a mild savory flavour and aromatic depth. Slice thinly for even cooking.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Red bell pepper adds sweetness, colour, and a slight sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory and earthy flavours. Red bell pepper provides a vibrant visual element and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish. Chop into medium pieces for even cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base flavour, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish. Freshly minced garlic is preferred for its potent flavour. Mince finely to release its aroma and flavour fully.

For the Aromatic Spice Blend and Flavor Boost

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin. Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and chicken, adding richness and flavour to the dish, contributing to the Mediterranean character. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavour and aroma.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin, a warm and earthy spice that is characteristic of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, adding depth and complexity. Ground cumin provides a signature warm and earthy flavour note. Use good quality ground cumin for a potent flavour.
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander, a citrusy and slightly sweet spice that complements the cumin and other spices, adding brightness to the dish. Ground coriander adds a subtle citrusy note and aromatic complexity, balancing the earthy cumin. Use good quality ground coriander for the best flavour.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, adds a warm, earthy flavour and a vibrant golden colour to the dish. Turmeric powder contributes a mild earthy flavour and a beautiful golden hue to the dish. Use good quality turmeric powder for colour and flavour.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, adds a smoky depth and subtle heat, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Smoked paprika provides a smoky flavour and a subtle warmth. Use smoked paprika for a richer flavour profile.
• ½ teaspoon salt, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavours in the dish. Salt balances the sweetness of the vegetables and brings out the savory notes of the spices and chicken. Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground. Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness when sprinkled over the finished dish. It also provides visual appeal.

Optional Enhancements for Extra Flavour

• Lemon wedges, for serving. Lemon wedges provide a squeeze of acidity that brightens the flavours of the dish and adds a refreshing element.
• Raisins or dried cranberries, for a touch of sweetness and chewy texture. Dried fruits add a touch of sweetness and chewy texture, creating a delightful contrast to the savory dish.
• Toasted almonds or pine nuts, for added crunch and nutty flavour. Toasted nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavour contrast to the soft couscous and vegetables. Toast nuts lightly for enhanced flavour.

How to Make One Pan Chicken And Couscous ?

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate all ingredients and ensure even cooking.

Season chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and black pepper. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper for flavour.

Sear chicken in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing chicken develops flavour and creates a crispy skin. Sear until golden brown on all sides but not cooked through.

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Set aside seared chicken while sautéing vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Sauté vegetables until softened and slightly caramelized, releasing their sweetness and flavour.

Add minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and smoked paprika to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add garlic and spices and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step blooms the spices and releases their aroma and flavour.

Step 3: Add Couscous and Broth

Add pearl couscous to the skillet and stir to toast for 1-2 minutes. Toasting couscous lightly enhances its nutty flavour.

Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the couscous mixture. Arrange seared chicken on top of the couscous mixture, ensuring it is partially submerged in the liquid.

Bring the liquid back to a simmer, then cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Ensure skillet is tightly covered to trap steam and cook couscous evenly.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until couscous is cooked through and chicken is cooked through and tender. Bake until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed, and chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Resting allows couscous to absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly tender.

Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in chopped red bell pepper. Fluff couscous with a fork to separate the grains and stir in red bell pepper for a burst of freshness and colour.

Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped. Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.

Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over, if desired. Serve warm for the best flavour and texture.

Tips for Variations:

Spicy Moroccan Twist

Add harissa paste or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a spicy kick. Harissa paste or red pepper flakes add a spicy warmth, transforming the dish into a Moroccan-inspired version.

Lemon Herb Infusion

Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the couscous mixture for a brighter, more herbaceous flavour profile. Lemon zest and fresh herbs add a refreshing and aromatic dimension, enhancing the Mediterranean character.

Vegetable Powerhouse

Add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or peas to the skillet for a heartier and more colourful dish. Incorporate your favourite vegetables for added flavour, texture, and nutrition. Add vegetables along with bell peppers for baking.

Chicken Sausage Swap

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks with sliced chicken sausage for a different flavour and texture. Chicken sausage provides a different flavour profile and can be a quicker cooking option. Choose a halal certified chicken sausage.

Vegetarian

Omit the chicken entirely and add canned chickpeas or white beans for a protein-rich vegetarian version. Chickpeas or white beans provide a plant-based protein source for a hearty vegetarian option. Add canned beans during the last 10 minutes of baking to heat through.

Serving Suggestions:

Yogurt Sauce Drizzle

Serve One Pan Chicken and Couscous with a dollop of plain yogurt or a tahini sauce for a cooling and creamy contrast. Yogurt or tahini sauce provides a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the warm and spiced dish.

Side of Roasted Vegetables

Pair One Pan Chicken and Couscous with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal. Roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and a different textural element to the meal.

Pita Bread or Flatbread Scoops

Serve One Pan Chicken and Couscous with warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping up the flavorful couscous and chicken mixture. Pita bread or flatbread is perfect for enjoying with couscous dishes, allowing you to scoop up every flavorful morsel.

Fresh Herb Garnish Abundance

Garnish generously with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint for added freshness and aroma. A generous herb garnish enhances the visual appeal and adds a burst of fresh flavour.

Lemon and Olive Salad

Serve One Pan Chicken and Couscous alongside a simple lemon and olive salad for a refreshing and zesty side dish. A lemon and olive salad provides a bright and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the couscous and chicken.

FAQ

Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Pearl couscous is recommended for this recipe as it holds its shape better and has a chewier texture. Regular couscous (Moroccan couscous) is finer and may become mushy in this one-pan method. If using regular couscous, reduce the cooking time significantly and monitor closely.

How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature for food safety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

One Pan Chicken and Couscous is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped ahead. You can sear the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving. Prepping components ahead of time streamlines the cooking process, but the dish is best enjoyed freshly baked.

How long does One Pan Chicken and Couscous stay fresh?

Leftover One Pan Chicken and Couscous can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Reheat leftovers gently to prevent drying out the chicken and couscous.

Can I freeze One Pan Chicken and Couscous?

Freezing One Pan Chicken and Couscous is not recommended as the texture of the couscous may change upon thawing and become mushy. Freezing may alter the texture of the couscous, making it less desirable. It is best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

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