Mediterranean Za'atar Chicken with Citrus-Spiced Israeli Couscous
Infuse your dinner with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Za'atar Chicken served alongside fluffy, citrus-spiced Israeli couscous. The fragrant za'atar spice blend, composed of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, perfectly complements the tender, pan-seared chicken breasts. Paired with the refreshing notes of orange and toasted pine nuts, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a colorful, nutritious element to your meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will transport you to a sun-kissed Mediterranean landscape.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (flattened to 1/2-inch thick)
za'atar spice mix
1/4 cup
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
olive oil or grapeseed oil
4 tablespoons, divided
dry white wine
1/2 cup (omit for non-alcoholic version)
chicken stock
1 cup
Israeli couscous
1 1/2 cups
toasted pine nuts
1/3 cup
orange
1 (peeled and segmented)
orange juice and zest
from 1 orange
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted and ground)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped (NOT dried))
whole wheat pita bread
as needed (for serving)
tzatziki
as needed (for serving)
imported olives
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the chicken by seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. Generously rub the za'atar spice mix onto the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
3
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4
Transfer the seared chicken to an oven-proof pan and place it in the preheated oven to keep it warm while you prepare the couscous.
5
Return the sauté pan to the stovetop. Pour in the dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it boil for 1 minute to let the alcohol evaporate.
6
Add the chicken stock to the pan and bring it to a boil.
7
Add the Israeli couscous to the boiling stock. Stir well, cover the pan tightly, and remove it from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
8
While the couscous is resting, prepare the citrus dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, toasted and ground cumin seeds, and chopped cilantro.
9
Once the couscous has absorbed the liquid, carefully stir in the citrus dressing, toasted pine nuts, and orange segments. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.
10
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
11
To serve, place the fluffy couscous on a serving platter and top it with the warm za'atar chicken breasts. This dish delights when served with warm whole wheat pita bread, homemade tzatziki, and a selection of imported olives.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Za'atar Chicken with Citrus-Spiced Israeli Couscous?
It is a flavorful dish featuring pan-seared chicken seasoned with za'atar spice, served with Israeli couscous flavored with orange, toasted pine nuts, and cumin.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, za'atar spice mix, Israeli couscous, orange juice and zest, chicken stock, and toasted pine nuts.
How should I prepare the chicken breasts?
Flatten the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness, season with salt and pepper, and generously rub with za'atar spice mix before searing.
What is za'atar spice mix?
Za'atar is a Mediterranean spice blend typically composed of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) to keep the chicken warm while the couscous is prepared.
How long should I sear the chicken?
Sear the chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the dry white wine for a non-alcoholic version of the recipe.
How do I cook the Israeli couscous?
Add the couscous to boiling chicken stock, stir, cover tightly, and remove from heat to sit for 5 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
What ingredients are in the citrus dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, toasted and ground cumin seeds, and fresh chopped cilantro.
How do I incorporate the citrus dressing into the couscous?
Once the couscous has absorbed the stock, stir in the dressing along with toasted pine nuts and orange segments, then fluff with a fork.
What should I serve as sides with this chicken?
This dish is best served with warm whole wheat pita bread, homemade tzatziki, and a selection of imported olives.
Can I use dried cilantro?
No, the recipe specifically recommends using fresh chopped cilantro for the best flavor profile.
How many calories are in a serving?
The recipe contains approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 10g of protein.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The recipe has 10g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients total are needed?
There are 16 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the purpose of deglazing the pan?
Deglazing with white wine helps scrape up the browned bits from the pan to incorporate those deep flavors into the sauce and stock.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, focusing on lean protein, whole grains, and fresh citrus.
How do I prepare the orange for the couscous?
The orange should be peeled and segmented for the couscous, while the juice and zest are used for the dressing.
What oils can I use for searing the chicken?
You can use either olive oil or grapeseed oil.
How do I prepare the cumin seeds?
The cumin seeds should be toasted and ground before being added to the dressing.
Can I substitute Israeli couscous with regular couscous?
While possible, Israeli couscous is preferred for its larger, pearled texture which holds up well with the citrus dressing.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and ideal for family weeknight dinners.
How do I know when the couscous is ready?
It is ready when it has sat covered for 5 minutes and the liquid is fully absorbed.
What are the key flavor profiles?
The dish features vibrant Mediterranean flavors including earthy thyme, tart sumac, aromatic cumin, and bright citrus.
How many chicken breasts does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I prepare this for a special occasion?
Yes, the recipe is described as ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, za'atar, israeli couscous, mediterranean, citrus, healthy, easy dinner, and flavorful.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Place the fluffed couscous on a platter, top with the warm chicken breasts, and season with extra salt and pepper if necessary.