Description
A quick and delicious one-pan chicken and couscous meal featuring tender, browned chicken pieces, fluffy pearl couscous toasted to perfection, and savory Mediterranean-inspired flavors such as smoked paprika and oregano. This hearty, flavorful dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner packed with wholesome ingredients and optional fresh greens for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous (or Moroccan couscous)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and optional cumin. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma without burning the garlic.
- Toast the couscous: Add the pearl couscous to the pan and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains with the oil and spices and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook couscous and chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cover the pan and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the broth is absorbed.
- Finish with greens and seasoning: If using, stir in baby spinach or chopped parsley just before serving to wilt slightly. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and couscous mixture and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, bright contrast.
Notes
- Using Moroccan couscous instead of pearl couscous reduces cooking time to about 5 minutes.
- For extra depth, add toasted pine nuts, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes as mix-ins.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be repurposed in wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
