Chicken Couscous Recipes: A Comprehensive Guide

Couscous, a staple in North African cuisine, is a versatile and quick-cooking grain that pairs well with various proteins and vegetables. When combined with chicken, it transforms into a hearty and flavorful meal suitable for any occasion. This guide explores diverse chicken couscous recipes, offering options for different tastes and occasions.

Classic Chicken and Vegetable Couscous

A traditional dish combining tender chicken pieces with a medley of vegetables over fluffy couscous.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, prepare couscous according to package instructions.
6. Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over the couscous. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Spicy Chicken Couscous

For those who enjoy a kick, this recipe incorporates spicy elements to elevate the dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and jalapeño until soft.
2. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Prepare couscous as per package instructions.
6. Serve the spicy chicken mixture over couscous with lime wedges on the side.

Lemon Herb Chicken Couscous

A refreshing dish with citrus and herbs, perfect for a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, mint, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through.
3. Prepare couscous according to package instructions.
4. Slice the chicken and serve over couscous, garnished with additional herbs.

Chicken Couscous Salad

A cold dish ideal for picnics or as a side.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook couscous as per package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine couscous, cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta, and olives.
3. Add grilled chicken slices.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.

Chicken Couscous Soup

A comforting soup combining chicken, couscous, and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
2. Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add couscous and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Chicken Couscous Stir-Fry

A quick and easy stir-fry combining chicken, vegetables, and couscous.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook couscous as per package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
3. Add chicken slices and cook until browned.
4. Add bell pepper and broccoli, cooking until tender.
5. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve the stir-fry over couscous.

Chicken Couscous Casserole

A baked dish combining chicken, couscous, and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook couscous as per package instructions.
3. In a baking dish, combine shredded chicken, couscous, marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix well and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Chicken Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

A wholesome dish featuring roasted vegetables and chicken over couscous.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
• Cook couscous as per package instructions.