Elevate your meal prep with a delicious Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Couscous Bowl. This healthy chicken bowl is bursting with flavor and comes together quickly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well.
- Couscous: Quinoa or brown rice are great gluten-free alternatives.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite bowl-friendly vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spices: If you don’t have all the Moroccan spices, a pre-mixed Moroccan spice blend is a convenient option.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Couscous Bowl:
- 1 cup plain couscous
- 1 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Sliced almonds
- Dollop of plain Greek yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, medium saucepan, mixing bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, ginger, turmeric, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook the Couscous
While the chicken cooks, bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the couscous, then remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
4. Assemble the Bowl
In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Gently mix everything together.
5. Serve Your Healthy Chicken Bowl
Divide the couscous mixture among four bowls. Top each with the Moroccan spiced chicken. Garnish with optional feta, almonds, or Greek yogurt for an extra touch. Enjoy your flavorful healthy chicken bowl!
Variation Ideas:
- Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale to the couscous mixture for more greens.
- Top with a drizzle of homemade tahini dressing for a creamy finish.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Couscous Bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The couscous may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and couscous components separately and assemble them just before serving or for meal prep.
Is this recipe spicy?
The cayenne pepper is optional; without it, the dish has a warm, aromatic spice, not intense heat.
What kind of chicken broth should you use?
Use a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall salt content of your healthy chicken bowl.
Can you use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, simply toss it with the spices and warm it through in the skillet.
How do you prevent the couscous from clumping?
Fluffing the couscous immediately after it’s done cooking with a fork helps prevent clumping and keeps it light.
Are there other vegetables you can add?
Yes, feel free to add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even some roasted zucchini to your healthy chicken bowl for extra nutrients and flavor.