Spiced Cinnamon Chicken Thighs with Sweet and Savory Couscous
This delightful one-dish meal combines tender, spiced chicken thighs with a vibrant and flavorful couscous mixture featuring a medley of dried fruits. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend family gathering, this dish bursts with warm cinnamon and ginger notes, complemented by the sweetness of prunes, apricots, and cranberries. Each bite is harmonious, combining rich protein and fragrant grains, making it a family favorite in no time. Serve it alongside peas for a pop of green and pair with refreshing iced mint tea, turning any dinner into a culinary delight.
N/A
Servings
363
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken legs
4 (cut into leg and thigh pieces (about 3 pounds))
Ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (divided)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (divided)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Chopped onion
1 cup
Mixed chopped dried fruit
3/4 cup ((such as currants, apricots, and prunes))
Low sodium chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can
Couscous
1 cup
Fresh mint
2 teaspoons (finely chopped, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a bowl, season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. For an even quicker option, consider boiling or sautéing the chicken thighs until they are about 95% cooked, then shred them once cooled.
3
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and cook until the skin is beautifully browned, about 8 minutes.
4
Carefully turn the chicken pieces over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for approximately 15 minutes, or until the thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 175°F (75°C).
5
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
6
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the drippings. Sauté the onion over medium-high heat until it begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
7
Incorporate the mixed dried fruits (using your choice of prunes, raisins, apricots, or cranberries), followed by the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Stir to ensure the fruits are evenly coated in the spices.
8
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the couscous and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh mint.
9
Cover the skillet and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
10
To serve, mound the couscous on a platter, placing the tender chicken thighs on top. Garnish with the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh mint, and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
35g
Carbs
27g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
200mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is whole chicken legs, which are cut into leg and thigh pieces totaling about 3 pounds.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How long do you sear the chicken skin-side down?
You should cook the chicken skin-side down for about 8 minutes until it is beautifully browned.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 175 degrees F (75 degrees C) when measured with a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
How long does the chicken roast in the oven?
The chicken roasts in the oven for approximately 15 minutes after the initial searing.
What types of dried fruit can be used in the couscous?
You can use a mix of currants, apricots, prunes, raisins, or cranberries.
What is the first step in preparing the couscous base?
After removing the chicken, you saute the chopped onion in the skillet drippings until they begin to brown.
How long should the couscous sit after adding the broth?
The couscous should stand covered for 5 minutes to allow it to absorb the liquid.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains 363 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 27 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 13 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sodium content of this meal?
The meal contains 200mg of sodium.
Is there a quicker way to prepare the chicken?
Yes, you can boil or saute the chicken until 95% cooked and then shred it once cooled.
What herb is used to flavor and garnish the dish?
Fresh mint is used both inside the couscous and as a garnish.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of low sodium chicken broth.
How should the couscous be served?
Mound the couscous on a platter and place the tender chicken thighs on top, then garnish with mint.
What side dish is suggested to serve with this?
It is suggested to serve this dish alongside peas for a pop of green.
What beverage is recommended to pair with this meal?
Refreshing iced mint tea is recommended as a beverage pairing.
How much cinnamon is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon is used, divided between the chicken and the fruit mixture.
How much ginger is used in total?
A total of 1 teaspoon of ground ginger is used, divided between the chicken and the fruit mixture.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much couscous is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of couscous.
What amount of dried fruit is used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of mixed chopped dried fruit.
Why should you tent the chicken with foil?
The chicken is tented with foil to keep it warm while the couscous is being prepared.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed in this recipe.
What should be done to the couscous before serving?
After standing for 5 minutes, the couscous should be fluffed with a fork and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy one-dish dinner.