Creamy Mushroom Chicken Over Herbed Couscous
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Mushroom Chicken Over Herbed Couscous recipe perfect for meal prep. Featuring succulent strips of chicken breast sautéed with caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms, this dish is enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made with soy sauce, dry sherry, and a hint of cayenne. Served atop fluffy, herbed couscous cooked in a creamy milk broth, this recipe not only celebrates flavors but also delivers nutrition and convenience. Whether enjoyed fresh or frozen for future meals, it promises a satisfying experience that brings comfort and a taste of gourmet dining right to your table.
6
Servings
373
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 lb (Cut into 1/4-inch strips)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (Sliced)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (Mixed with broth)
Chicken Broth
1/4 cup (For mixture)
Dry Sherry
3 tablespoons (For mixture)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (For mixture)
Cayenne Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (For mixture)
Low-Fat Milk
2 cups (For cooking couscous)
Chicken Broth
3/4 cup (For cooking couscous)
Couscous
1 1/2 cups (For serving)
Cilantro
To taste (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the chicken breast into 1/4-inch strips and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, 1/4 cup chicken broth, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and dry sherry. Set this mixture aside to thicken as you prepare the rest.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing them until the onions are beautifully caramelized and the mushrooms are tender. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4
Spray the skillet with cooking spray, ensuring it’s well coated. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken strips. Sauté the chicken until it’s thoroughly cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Return the sautéed onion and mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the prepared cornstarch mixture, stirring frequently until it thickens and bubbles, creating a creamy sauce.
6
For serving: In a medium saucepan, bring the low-fat milk and 3/4 cup chicken broth to a gentle boil. Stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
7
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and season lightly with salt or herbs if desired.
8
To serve, place a generous portion of the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over the herbed couscous, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness.
9
For freezing: Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a large freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
10
To serve from frozen: Thaw the chicken mixture overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave. Prepare the couscous as directed above, and reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
38g
Carbs
30g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Creamy Mushroom Chicken Over Herbed Couscous.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be perfect for meal prep.
How should I prepare the chicken breast?
The chicken breast should be cut into 1/4-inch strips before cooking.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce mixture?
The sauce mixture includes cornstarch, chicken broth, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and dry sherry.
How do I caramelize the vegetables?
Sauté the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms in melted butter until the onions are caramelized and the mushrooms are tender.
How long does it take to cook the chicken strips?
The chicken strips should be sautéed for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
What is unique about the couscous preparation in this recipe?
The couscous is cooked in a creamy milk broth consisting of low-fat milk and chicken broth.
How long should the couscous sit after boiling?
The couscous should sit covered off the heat for about 5 minutes.
Can this chicken and mushroom dish be frozen?
Yes, the chicken mixture can be frozen in a large freezer bag or freezer-safe container once cooled completely.
How do I reheat the frozen chicken mixture?
Thaw the mixture overnight or use the microwave, then reheat it in a skillet until hot and bubbly.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Chopped cilantro is recommended as a garnish for a touch of freshness.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 373 calories per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of milk is used for the herbed couscous?
Low-fat milk is used to cook the couscous.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains a hint of cayenne pepper (1/8 teaspoon) for flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 11g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
How much fiber is in this meal?
There is 1g of fiber per serving.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is whisked with broth and other liquids to thicken the sauce.
Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
The recipe suggests using cooking spray to coat the skillet before sautéing the chicken.
What type of sherry is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dry sherry.
How do I finish the couscous before serving?
Fluff the couscous with a fork and season lightly with salt or herbs if desired.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick and easy' recipe.
What gives the sauce its 'creamy' profile?
The combination of the cornstarch mixture and the milk-cooked couscous creates a creamy dining experience.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken breast, you can adapt it to your preference.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is cutting the chicken breast into 1/4-inch strips.
Does this dish contain onions?
Yes, it includes one chopped onion.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its rich sauce and succulent chicken.