Fried chicken with couscous and pine nut filling

This recipe for “Roast Chicken with Couscous and Pine Nut Stuffing” is a delicious dish that is also suitable for non-Muslims as it contains pork. Whether served hot or cold, it is an excellent choice for a picnic and will bring joy to the whole family. The chicken is stuffed with a tantalizing couscous and pine nut filling that provides an explosion of delicious flavors with every bite. Try this recipe and it is sure to be a favorite dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

100g couscous
175 ml boiling chicken stock
50g butter
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
100g pine nuts
140g dried apricots, roughly chopped
large handful of parsley, roughly chopped
2 tbsp mint leaves, coarsely chopped
1 lemon
1 egg, beaten
6 skinless chicken breast fillets
16 strips of bacon

Preparation steps

Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, pour over the stock and then cover with cling film for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Melt half the butter in a pan, then lightly fry the onion and garlic until softened, 5-8 minutes. Put aside.
Dry fry the pine nuts for a few minutes until golden brown.
Mix onions, pine nuts, apricots and herbs with couscous.
Add a good squeeze of lemon juice, season and then stir in the egg. Let cool down.
Using the back of a knife, stretch the slices to one and a half times their original length.
Place slightly overlapping on a large sheet of foil to form a rectangle.
Make a few cuts in the thickest part of each chicken breast and place between 2 layers of plastic wrap.
Use the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken until it is about 1cm thick.
Arrange the chicken on the bacon so that there are no gaps, but leave an edge on the longer sides. (This helps roll up the chicken.)
Spread the filling over the chicken in a strip along one of the longest sides.
Using aluminum foil, roll the bacon and chicken around the filling like a log.
Wrap tightly in foil, twisting ends tightly, then chill for 2 hours or up to 1 day.
Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4.
Place the chicken, joint side down, in a roasting tray.
Let it cook for 30 minutes, then unwrap the foil and brush the roast with the remaining butter.
Cook, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, until the filling is cooked through and hot (a metal skewer inserted into the center of the chicken should come out hot).
Allow to cool and wrap in fresh foil for transport.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
348	20g	7g	16g	9g	2g	26.3g	1.32g

Equipment and tools

To make this Roast Chicken with Couscous and Pine Nut Stuffing recipe, you will need the following equipment and tools:

frying pan
baking pan
Knife
cutting board
measuring cup
measuring spoon
frying pan
wooden spoon
Big bowl
Whisk

Allergen information

This couscous and pine nut stuffed roast chicken recipe may contain the following allergens:

Tree nuts (pine nuts)
Eggs

When preparing this dish for allergy sufferers, please consider the ingredients and possible cross-contamination.

Storage and leftovers

If there are any leftovers from your couscous and pine nut stuffed roast chicken, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If stored properly, leftovers will last up to 3 days.

When reheating leftovers, be sure to heat them thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Health Benefits of Roast Chicken with Couscous and Pine Nut Stuffing

Roasted Chicken with Couscous and Pine Nut Stuffing is not only a delicious meal but also offers a number of health benefits. This dish combines tasty ingredients that provide important nutrients and promote general well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits offered by the key components:

couscous

Couscous, a staple of North African cuisine, serves as the base for the filling in this recipe. It is made from durum wheat and is a good source of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates provide sustained energy release and keep you full and satisfied for longer. Couscous is also low in fat and contains important vitamins and minerals such as niacin, folic acid and magnesium.

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Pine nuts

Pine nuts give the filling a delicious crunch and a nutty taste. They are a rich source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which have positive effects on heart health. In addition, pine nuts are full of antioxidants, vitamin E and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Including pine nuts in your diet can support brain health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.

Dried apricots

Incorporating dried apricots into the filling adds both sweetness and nutritional value to the dish. Apricots are a fantastic source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. They are also rich in vitamins A and C, which play a crucial role in supporting a healthy immune system and promoting skin health.

parsley and mint leaves

Both parsley and mint leaves give the filling a lively freshness. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. It also contains vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function. Mint, on the other hand, offers digestive benefits. It has been used for centuries to relieve indigestion and relieve stomach discomfort.

Chicken breast

The main source of protein in this recipe is skinless chicken breast. Chicken breast is low in fat and calories but high in protein, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to build and maintain muscle mass. It also provides essential amino acids, vitamin B6 and selenium, which support metabolism, brain function and thyroid health.

Bacon

Although streaky bacon is often considered a less healthy ingredient due to its high fat content, it still adds flavor to the dish. Moderation is key when eating bacon. Using leaner cuts or reducing the amount used can still result in a flavor improvement without requiring excessive fat intake.

In summary, Roast Chicken with Couscous and Pine Nut Stuffing provides a balanced mix of nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and proteins. Including this dish in your diet offers various health benefits, from supporting heart and brain health to boosting the immune system and digestion.