When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and flavor of a hearty chicken couscous bowl. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and rich spices is a match made in heaven. And with its versatility, you can enjoy this classic dish all year round, whether as a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend brunch.
In this article, we’ll explore the many flavors and textures that chicken couscous has to offer. From spicy harissa-inspired dishes to creamy coconut-infused recipes, there’s something for every palate. So, let’s dive in and discover 18 deliciously spiced chicken couscous recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Apricots and Almonds
Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Apricots and Almonds: A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the warmth of North African spices with the sweetness of apricots and crunch of almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups couscous
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Cook the couscous according to package instructions.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped apricots and almonds. Pour in the chicken broth and honey; bring to a simmer.
5. Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked couscous.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lemon Garlic Chicken Couscous Bowl
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Tender chicken, infused with the zest of lemon and pungency of garlic, is served atop fluffy couscous and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place chicken breast in a baking dish and brush with the lemon-garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook couscous according to package instructions using water or broth. Fluff with fork.
6. Toss mixed vegetables with a pinch of salt and cook in microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
7. Serve chicken on top of couscous and surround with roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Harissa Chicken Couscous
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the bold spices of North Africa with the comfort of creamy chicken. This Spicy Harissa Chicken Couscous is a vibrant and exciting recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp harissa paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together harissa paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cook couscous according to package instructions using water or broth.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Combine cooked couscous, harissa chicken, and parsley. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mediterranean Chicken and Couscous Salad
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with juicy chicken, creamy feta cheese, and nutty couscous. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup uncooked couscous
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Cook couscous according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Grill or cook chicken breast until cooked through. Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled chicken, couscous, parsley, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Coconut Chicken Couscous
This recipe combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tender juiciness of chicken, all wrapped up in a fluffy couscous dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup uncooked couscous
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the couscous according to package instructions using water or chicken broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the coconut milk, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve the chicken mixture over the cooked couscous, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
This recipe combines the flavors of North Africa and the Mediterranean in one pan, featuring chicken, couscous, and a medley of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in the couscous and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the couscous is cooked and fluffy.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables and couscous.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Pearl Couscous Pilaf
A flavorful and aromatic pilaf dish that combines the tender taste of chicken with the nutty flavor of pearl couscous, all wrapped up in a fragrant herb package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pearl couscous
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pearl couscous according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the cooked couscous with the chicken mixture and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Curried Chicken Couscous with Raisins
This recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of curried chicken with the fluffy texture of couscous and sweet raisins. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups couscous
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Serve chicken mixture over couscous and top with raisins.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Grilled Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of grilled chicken, creamy couscous, and sweet bell peppers for a satisfying and healthy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, couscous, water, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, bell peppers should be grilled for 5 minutes on each side, or until tender.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the grilled chicken mixture and top with mozzarella cheese (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Couscous Skillet
This hearty one-pot dish combines the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and Mediterranean spices with the comfort of couscous. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, couscous, chicken broth, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and couscous is cooked.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken Couscous with Chickpeas
This recipe is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern flavors, featuring tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and creamy chickpeas. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup uncooked couscous
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, couscous, chicken broth, chickpeas, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Lemon Herb Chicken Couscous Soup
Brighten up a chilly evening with this refreshing and flavorful soup, bursting with citrusy goodness and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add couscous, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the pot and cook until heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Couscous Bake
This Pesto Chicken and Couscous Bake is a simple yet impressive dish that combines the creamy richness of pesto with the nutty flavor of couscous and the tender juiciness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine couscous, chicken broth, pesto sauce, and thyme. Mix well.
3. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until coated with the couscous mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the couscous is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Harvest Chicken Couscous with Butternut Squash
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this hearty and comforting dish, featuring tender chicken, nutty couscous, and sweet butternut squash.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups couscous
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the couscous according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add cubed butternut squash to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until slightly tender.
6. Combine cooked couscous, chicken, and squash mixture in a large bowl. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 45-50 minutes.
Greek-Style Chicken Couscous with Feta and Olives
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with this vibrant dish that combines juicy chicken, nutty couscous, tangy feta, and briny olives. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook couscous according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in feta cheese, olives, and oregano. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Combine cooked couscous with chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Couscous
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this flavorful and aromatic dish, featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich smoky paprika sauce served over fluffy couscous.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. While chicken cooks, prepare couscous according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
6. Serve chicken over couscous, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Citrus Ginger Chicken Couscous
Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and flavorful Citrus Ginger Chicken Couscous! This recipe combines the comforting warmth of chicken and couscous with the invigorating zing of citrus and spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups couscous
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
4. In the same skillet, add minced ginger and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add orange juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the citrus-herb mixture.
7. Serve chicken over couscous, garnished with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken and Couscous Casserole
A flavorful and satisfying casserole that combines the richness of garlic butter with the comforting warmth of chicken, couscous, and vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, garlic, and butter until cooked through.
3. Add couscous, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the skillet; stir to combine.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meal routine with these 18 flavorful chicken couscous recipes! From Moroccan-inspired dishes with apricots and almonds to Mediterranean-style salads and creamy coconut-based bowls, there’s something for everyone. Try adding some heat with spicy harissa or smoky paprika, or go light with lemony garlic and herb-infused options. Whether you’re in the mood for a one-pan wonder or a slow-cooked comfort food, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
