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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 Mediterranean-inspired feast made effortlessly in a single pan. This dish is bursting with flavour, combining tender chicken, pearl couscous, and warming spices for a meal that is both hearty and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Foundation of Flavour and Heartiness:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1.5 cups pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, low sodium
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Aromatic Spice Blend and Flavor Boost:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Enhancements for Extra Flavour:

  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Raisins or dried cranberries, for a touch of sweetness
  • Toasted almonds or pine nuts, for added crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  4. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in pearl couscous and toast for 1-2 minutes, then pour in vegetable or chicken broth.
  6. Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the couscous mixture. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until couscous is tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork, stir in chopped bell pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
  9. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

For extra depth, add harissa paste for a spicy Moroccan twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

  • Author: Camilia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: One Pan Chicken and Couscous, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy One-Pan Meals, Chicken and Couscous Recipe