Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Couscous Medley
This Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Couscous Medley is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fluffy couscous, all harmoniously infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish not only looks inviting but is packed with flavor and nutrition. Sharing is encouraged, as this recipe makes a generous amount, allowing friends and family to enjoy the exciting blend of textures and tastes.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Chicken Breasts
2 lbs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Matchstick Cut Carrots
10 ounces (none)
Onions
2 medium (diced)
Garlic Cloves
3 large (minced)
Zucchini
1 cup (cubed)
Chicken Broth
27.5 ounces (2 (13.75-ounce) cans)
Quick Cooking Couscous
10 ounces (1 box)
Pepper Sauce
2 teaspoons (i.e. Tabasco)
Curry Powder
1.5 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Slivered Almonds
1 cup (toasted)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking until they are golden brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes.
3
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
4
Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add the matchstick carrots, diced onions, and cubed zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
6
Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetables to a large pot to accommodate all the ingredients.
7
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the pepper sauce, curry powder, salt, and the previously cooked chicken.
8
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add the quick-cooking couscous, stirring to combine.
9
Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the flavors.
10
After 5 minutes, uncover and gently fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the toasted slivered almonds and chopped fresh parsley, if using, before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Couscous Medley?
It is a vibrant and hearty dish combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and fluffy couscous infused with aromatic spices.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients required for this medley.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil for browning the chicken and sauteing the vegetables.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The dish includes matchstick cut carrots, diced onions, and cubed zucchini.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Cook the cubed chicken for 7 to 10 minutes until it is golden brown on all sides.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the 3 large minced garlic cloves after the carrots, onions, and zucchini have softened for about 5 minutes.
What is the total volume of chicken broth needed?
You need 27.5 ounces of chicken broth, which is typically two 13.75-ounce cans.
What kind of couscous is used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce box of quick-cooking couscous.
What type of pepper sauce is recommended?
The recipe recommends 2 teaspoons of a pepper sauce such as Tabasco.
How much curry powder is used?
Use 1.5 teaspoons of curry powder to spice the dish.
How should the almonds be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of slivered almonds that have been toasted.
Is the fresh parsley required?
No, the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley is optional.
What size skillet is recommended?
A large 12-inch skillet is recommended for the initial cooking steps.
Why do I need to transfer ingredients to a large pot?
Transferring to a large pot provides enough space to add the chicken broth and couscous.
How do I cook the couscous in this recipe?
Add the couscous to the boiling broth mixture, remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
What does it mean to fluff the couscous?
Gently use a fork to separate the grains after they have finished steaming to ensure a light texture.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is vibrant, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use 2 medium onions that have been diced.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
Use 10 ounces of matchstick cut carrots for consistent cooking.
How should the zucchini be cut?
The zucchini should be cubed, specifically into 1-inch pieces similar to the chicken.
Is this a spicy dish?
It is aromatic and flavorful with a mild heat from the pepper sauce and curry powder.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
When do I add the toasted almonds and parsley?
Stir them in at the very end after the couscous has been fluffed.
What equipment is used to transfer the chicken?
A slotted spoon is recommended to move the browned chicken from the skillet to a plate.
How much zucchini is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cubed zucchini.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, vegetables, and grains.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir in the toasted slivered almonds and optional fresh parsley.