Flavorful Moroccan Couscous with Chicken

Servings: 6
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total Time: 40 minutes (Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 25 mins)
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this delightful dish featuring couscous and chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
2 cups couscous
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan with the onions and garlic. Add chicken broth, chickpeas, and chopped apricots. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken simmers, prepare couscous according to package instructions. Typically, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add couscous, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done.
Toast the Almonds: In a separate pan, toast the chopped almonds over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Assemble and Serve: Fluff the cooked couscous and transfer it to a serving platter. Top with the chicken mixture, sprinkle with toasted almonds, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

This Moroccan Couscous with Chicken is a perfect blend of spices and textures, sure to impress at any gathering or family meal. Enjoy the rich flavors of North African cuisine right at home!