Lemon Couscous Chicken

Lemon Couscous Chicken Recipe from Morocco

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemon Couscous Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the zesty taste of lemon with tender chicken and fluffy couscous. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is easy to prepare.

History

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from steamed and dried granules of semolina. It is a staple food in many countries in the region and is often served with meat, vegetables, and spices. The addition of lemon and chicken to couscous creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Ingredients

1.25 cups of water
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 package of Near East Roasted garlic & olive oil couscous mix
1.5 cups of chopped cooked chicken
3 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp of lemon peel

How to prepare

In a large skillet, bring water, oil, broccoli, and spice from couscous mix to a boil.
Stir in couscous, cooked chicken, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
Simmer until heated through and then remove from heat.
Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
Using a fork, fluff lightly, then chill and serve cold.
Serves 4.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
Use quinoa or rice instead of couscous for a gluten-free alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in this dish.

- You can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe, such as grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken.

- Feel free to add additional vegetables or herbs to customize this dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Couscous Chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing dish.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the couscous mixture on low heat to ensure that the flavors meld together.

- Fluff the couscous with a fork to keep it light and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute lemon zest for the lemon peel for a stronger citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Serve cold or reheat in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a pop of color. - Serve Lemon Couscous Chicken in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

This Lemon Couscous Chicken dish is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Lemon Couscous Chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the zesty flavor of lemon, tender chicken, and fluffy couscous, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day and I was at a local farmers market, browsing through the stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goods. As I made my way through the market, a sweet aroma caught my attention and led me to a small stand where a woman was offering samples of her lemon couscous chicken.

I took a bite of the tender chicken, flavored with tangy lemon and aromatic herbs, and was instantly hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins, and asked her how she came up with the recipe.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled warmly and began to tell me the story of how she learned to make lemon couscous chicken. She explained that she had traveled to Morocco many years ago and had fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and spices of the cuisine. While she was there, she had the opportunity to learn from a local chef who taught her the secrets of making traditional Moroccan dishes.

One of her favorite recipes that she had learned was lemon couscous chicken. She described how the chicken was marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then roasted to perfection and served over fluffy couscous. Mrs. Jenkins went on to explain that she had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own personal touch with fresh herbs and vegetables from her garden.

I was captivated by Mrs. Jenkins' story and knew that I had to try making lemon couscous chicken for myself. She graciously shared the recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks she had picked up along the way. I thanked her profusely and headed home to start cooking.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, I could feel Mrs. Jenkins' presence with me, guiding me through each step. I marinated the chicken in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a blend of Moroccan spices. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait for the chicken to finish roasting in the oven.

While the chicken cooked, I prepared the couscous, fluffing it with a fork and adding in a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables. As I plated the dish and took my first bite, I was transported back to that warm summer day at the farmers market. The flavors were just as vibrant and delicious as I remembered, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Mrs. Jenkins and her culinary adventures in Morocco.

From that day on, lemon couscous chicken became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would often make it for family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from my guests. I loved sharing the story of how I had learned the recipe from Mrs. Jenkins, and it became a cherished part of my culinary tradition.

As the years passed, I continued to experiment with different variations of the dish, adding in new ingredients and flavors to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made lemon couscous chicken, it always brought me back to that fateful day at the farmers market and the serendipitous meeting with Mrs. Jenkins.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to future generations, I hope that they too will be inspired by the magic of cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And who knows, perhaps one day they too will be drawn to a recipe like a moth to a flame, embarking on their own culinary adventure and creating memories that will last a lifetime.