Description
Individually, these braised chicken and couscous recipes are delicious. Pair them together for a complete Moroccan meal that works for everyday or impressing some guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs. (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed)
- 1 tbsp. (15ml) vegetable oil
- salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick (2-3″)
- 1 tsp. (5ml) ground cumin
- 1 tsp. (5ml) paprika
- 3 cups (7dl) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup (90g) sliced green olives
- 1/2 cup (75g) dried apricots, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. (5ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. (5g) chopped cilantro
- For the Couscous:
- 1.5 cups (175g) Middle Eastern or North African couscous
- 1.5–2 cups (355-475ml) water (depending on couscous)
- 1 tsp. (5ml) salt
- 1/4 cup (13g) thinly sliced scallions
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp. (2.5g) chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp. (2.5g) chopped mint
- 1 tsp. (5ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. (5ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in wide, deep pan over medium heat. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper then brown over medium-high heat, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and cook the onions about 5 minutes, until soft and browned. Add the zucchini, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, cumin, and paprika. Cook about three minutes.
- Add the stock, olives, and apricots to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Return the chicken to the pan, reduce to a simmer, and cover for about 20 minutes (or until chicken is tender and cooked through).
- While the chicken simmers, cook the couscous in boiling, salted water about ten minutes (or until water is fully absorbed). Set aside and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine the couscous, scallions, orange zest, cilantro, and mint in a large bowl. Toss with lemon juice, olive oil, and any additional salt to taste.
- Serve chicken over the couscous with additional cilantro and lemon juice as garnish.
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Moroccan