Spicy Salsa Chicken with Almond Couscous
This Spicy Salsa Chicken with Almond Couscous is a vibrant and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly tender chicken thighs with a zesty salsa blend. We use Pace Picante Sauce for added depth, with a hint of crushed red chili flakes to spice things up. The dish is complemented by the crunch of coarsely chopped almonds and sweet currants, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve it with fluffy couscous or steamed rice for a wholesome meal packed with protein and nutrients.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Couscous or rice, cooked
3 cups (Hot and cooked)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Almonds, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (Fresh, minced)
Chicken thighs
8 (Preferably skin removed)
Thick 'n chunky salsa
1 cup (None)
Water
1/4 cup (None)
Dried currants
3-4 tablespoons (To taste)
Honey
1 tablespoon (None)
Cumin
3/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the couscous or rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped almonds to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the almonds using a slotted spoon and set them aside.
3
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Next, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the salsa, water, dried currants, honey, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Pour the salsa mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Mix gently to ensure that the chicken is well-coated with the salsa mixture.
7
Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fork-tender and the juices run clear.
8
Finally, stir in the toasted almonds before serving.
9
Serve the chicken hot over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice, drizzling extra salsa from the skillet over the top if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Salsa Chicken with Almond Couscous?
It is a vibrant poultry dish featuring tender chicken thighs, a zesty salsa blend, crunchy almonds, and sweet currants served over fluffy couscous or rice.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 chicken thighs, preferably with the skin removed for the best results.
Can I substitute chicken breast for the thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though thighs are recommended as they stay more tender during the 20-minute simmering process.
What is the estimated total cooking time?
The dish can be prepared and cooked in under an hour, with about 20 minutes specifically for simmering the chicken.
What is the primary base for the sauce?
The sauce is based on one cup of thick and chunky salsa, such as Pace Picante Sauce.
How should the almonds be prepared?
The almonds should be coarsely chopped and then sautéed in olive oil until golden brown.
Is there a substitute for couscous?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests that cooked rice is an excellent alternative to couscous.
What are the dried currants used for?
Dried currants add a touch of sweetness to the salsa mixture, balancing the spicy and savory flavors.
Can I use raisins instead of currants?
Yes, raisins or even dried cranberries can be used if dried currants are unavailable.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The dish is described as zesty and spicy, using salsa and cumin, and can be enhanced with crushed red chili flakes.
How can I increase the heat level of this dish?
You can use a hot variety of salsa or add a hint of crushed red chili flakes to the mixture.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh, minced garlic.
Which ground spices are included in the salsa mixture?
The mixture includes 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Why are the almonds sautéed first?
Sautéing the almonds first makes them golden brown and crunchy, and they are removed and set aside to maintain that texture until the very end.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the chicken and the salsa sauce are all prepared in a single large skillet, though the couscous is cooked separately.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is fork-tender and the juices run clear, usually after 20 minutes of simmering.
What does the honey add to the dish?
The honey provides a subtle sweetness that complements the cumin and cinnamon in the salsa sauce.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is recommended for sautéing the almonds and searing the chicken, other cooking oils like vegetable or canola oil can be used.
Is the Spicy Salsa Chicken gluten-free?
The chicken and sauce components are generally gluten-free (verify your salsa brand), but you must serve it with rice instead of couscous to make the full meal gluten-free.
How should I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken dish?
Yes, the cooked chicken and salsa mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, it is best to prepare fresh couscous or rice when serving.
Which salsa brand is recommended?
The description suggests using Pace Picante Sauce for added depth of flavor.
How many pieces of chicken do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 chicken thighs, allowing for 2 pieces per serving.
Should I leave the skin on the chicken?
The recipe recommends removing the skin before searing the chicken.
What equipment is needed to cook the chicken?
You will need a large skillet with a cover for simmering, a medium mixing bowl, and a slotted spoon.
How much water is added to the sauce?
1/4 cup of water is mixed with the salsa, currants, honey, and spices.
When do I add the toasted almonds back into the dish?
The toasted almonds should be stirred back into the skillet just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
Can I serve this over rice instead of couscous?
Yes, the recipe states it can be served over a bed of either fluffy couscous or rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Absolutely; it is an easy-to-follow recipe that is ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup.