Harissa-Infused Chicken with Pumpkin and Zesty Couscous
This vibrant Harissa-Infused Chicken with Pumpkin and Zesty Couscous is a delightful union of Middle Eastern spices and wholesome ingredients. Perfectly marinated chicken fillets are roasted alongside sweet pumpkin or butternut squash, creating an irresistibly tender and flavorful dish. Topped with crunchy feta and fresh coriander, and served over fluffy couscous, this recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, bringing together a medley of textures and tastes that will leave everyone asking for more.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken fillets
400 g (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
pumpkin or butternut squash
300 g (peeled and diced)
harissa (McCormick's Middle Eastern Spices)
10 g (spice mix)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for coating)
chopped coriander
1/2 cup (fresh, for garnish and flavor)
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
goat milk feta
100 g (crumbled)
cooked couscous
2 cups (prepared according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).
2
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken fillets, pumpkin (or butternut squash), harissa, and olive oil. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3
Transfer the mixture to a baking tray, spreading it out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the pumpkin is tender and caramelized.
5
Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing the chicken into strips.
6
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped coriander, lemon juice, lemon zest, crumbled goat milk feta, and cooked couscous. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
7
Gently fold in the roasted pumpkin and chicken pieces, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
8
Serve warm, garnished with lemon slices and extra coriander for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Harissa-Infused Chicken with Pumpkin and Zesty Couscous.
How much chicken is required?
You need 400 grams of chicken fillets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the pumpkin?
Yes, you can use butternut squash instead of pumpkin.
What is the oven temperature for roasting?
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the chicken and pumpkin take to cook?
They should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the pumpkin is caramelized.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 100 grams of crumbled goat milk feta.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It uses harissa spice, which provides a flavorful Middle Eastern heat.
How much harissa spice should I use?
Use 10 grams of harissa spice mix, specifically McCormick's Middle Eastern Spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves 4 people.
What fresh herb is included?
The dish includes 1/2 cup of fresh chopped coriander.
How do I prepare the lemon for this dish?
You will need to both juice and zest one lemon.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much couscous is needed?
You need 2 cups of cooked couscous, prepared according to package instructions.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and wholesome meal.
Should the dish be served warm or cold?
It is best served warm.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Garnish with lemon slices and extra fresh coriander.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken fillets should be trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to slice the chicken after roasting?
Yes, once slightly cooled, slice the roasted chicken into strips.
What cuisine style does this recipe follow?
The dish is influenced by Middle Eastern flavors.
How should the pumpkin be prepared?
The pumpkin should be peeled and diced.
What ingredients are mixed before baking?
Combine the diced chicken, pumpkin, harissa, and olive oil before roasting.
How should the ingredients be arranged on the baking tray?
Spread the mixture out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Is the couscous baked with the chicken?
No, the couscous is cooked separately and mixed with the roasted ingredients later.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It features a blend of spicy harissa, sweet pumpkin, tangy lemon, and salty feta.
How many ingredients are in the total list?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
What texture does the feta provide?
The feta adds a creamy and slightly crunchy texture to the dish.
Can this be used for a family dinner?
Yes, it is ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
What makes the couscous 'zesty'?
The addition of lemon juice and lemon zest makes the couscous zesty.
What is the final assembly step?
Gently fold the roasted pumpkin and chicken strips into the seasoned couscous mixture.