Chicken Couscous One Pot
This one-pot meal is perfect for easy weeknight entertaining. With tender pieces of chicken and fluffy couscous, it’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. The dish is refined with aromatic spices and herbs, creating a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired taste. Plus, the convenience of cooking everything in a single pot means minimal post-meal cleanup, so you can relax and enjoy time with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this chicken and couscous recipe is a winner.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs with skin and bones
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 500 ml chicken stock (one cube is enough)
- large handful of whole green olives
- Zest and squeeze 1 lemon
- 250g couscous
- small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Tip
Tip
Whole olives in the stone have a better flavor than pitted ones and therefore improve the finished dish. For a bolder flavor, add 1 finely chopped preserved Moroccan lemon and stir into the broth before adding the couscous.
Preparation steps
- Toss the chicken thighs in half the spices and a pinch of salt until completely coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan with a lid.
- Fry chicken, skin side down, until golden brown, 10 minutes, flip, then fry for 2 minutes before removing from pan.
- Pour the remaining oil into the pan, then fry the onions and garlic until golden brown, 8 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining spices and then cook for another minute.
- Pour the chicken broth over it and sprinkle the olives on top.
- Bring everything to a boil, reduce the heat and place the chicken, skin side up, in the broth.
- Cover the pan with a lid and simmer the chicken gently for 35-40 minutes, until tender.
- Put the kettle on, remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir lemon juice and couscous into the sour onions in the pan and, if necessary, add enough boiling water to just cover the couscous.
- Place the lid back on the pan and let stand for 5 minutes until the couscous is cooked through.
- Stir in half the parsley and lemon zest and place the chicken on top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and zest before serving.
Nutritional Information
Equipment and tools
To make the Chicken & Couscous One-Pot you will need the following:
- pan or large pot
- Knife for cutting onions and garlic
- cutting board
- measuring spoon
- measuring cup
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Chicken
Storage and leftovers
If there are any leftovers from the Chicken & Couscous One-Pot, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly before consuming.
The Health Benefits of One-Pot Chicken and Couscous
The combination of chicken and couscous in this one-pot recipe not only creates a tasty dish but also offers several health benefits. Let’s explore some of the reasons why including this dish in your diet can have a positive impact on your overall well-being:
1. High protein content
Chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein. Protein is essential for the growth, repair and maintenance of tissue in the body. It supports muscle building, boosts metabolism and helps with weight management. Eating enough protein also promotes satiety and can contribute to healthy weight loss.
2. Antioxidant properties
Turmeric, a key ingredient in this recipe, contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Anti-inflammatory effect
Garam masala, a blend of various spices including cinnamon, cloves and cumin, has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and certain types of cancer. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties like garam masala can help reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Nutrient-rich couscous
Couscous is a type of pasta made from durum wheat. It is a good source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. In addition, couscous contains various essential minerals such as selenium, magnesium and phosphorus. These minerals play an important role in supporting bone health, immune function and energy production.
5. Vitamin C boost
The addition of lemon zest and juice in this recipe enhances the flavor and provides a vitamin C boost. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that contributes to immune function, collagen synthesis, and helps the body absorb iron from plant sources.
6. Tasty and low in sodium
Using chicken broth, even in cube form, gives the dish an intense flavor. Opting for a low-sodium variety will help reduce overall sodium intake and prevent the risk of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
By incorporating this delicious chicken couscous stew into your meals, you can not only enjoy a delicious dish but also benefit from the numerous health benefits it offers.
