πππΎ Apricot Glazed Chicken and Couscous πππΎ
What is it?
Apricot Glazed Chicken and Couscous is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, served alongside fluffy couscous. It’s a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.
History:
While the exact origin of this dish is unclear, it likely draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where both chicken and couscous are commonly used ingredients. The combination of fruit glazes with meat is a tradition in many cultures, and apricots are often used for their natural sweetness and tartness.
Components:
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Apricot Glaze: Typically made with apricot preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar.
- Couscous: A quick-cooking grain that serves as the perfect side dish.
- Seasonings: Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Steps to Prepare:
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Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Allow them to marinate for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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Make the Apricot Glaze: In a saucepan, combine apricot preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of vinegar. Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s well combined and slightly thickened. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the apricot glaze, letting it caramelize and create a glossy finish.
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Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken is cooking, bring chicken broth or water to a boil in a separate saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
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Serve: Plate the cooked chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous. Drizzle the remaining apricot glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.
Time Needed to Prepare:
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
This Apricot Glazed Chicken and Couscous dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a delightful combination of flavors. Enjoy! π½οΈππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Glazed Chicken and Couscous:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 400-450 calories
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugar: 12-15 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-70 milligrams
- Sodium: 400-500 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 10-15% DV
Health Information:
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Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: Couscous provides complex carbohydrates for energy, and the apricot glaze adds natural sugars for a touch of sweetness.
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Dietary Fiber: While this dish may not be high in fiber, you can increase the fiber content by serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.
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Fat: The fat content largely depends on how you cook the chicken and the amount of olive oil used. Opt for healthier cooking methods to reduce saturated fat.
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Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions. You can use low-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt to control sodium intake.
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Vitamins and Minerals: This dish provides a moderate amount of vitamin C and iron, which are essential for immune support and oxygen transport in the body, respectively.
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Balanced Meal: Overall, this dish can be part of a balanced meal when combined with a variety of vegetables and whole grains to meet your daily nutritional needs.
Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used, so it’s a good practice to check the labels on products and adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and requirements. Enjoy your meal! π½οΈπ₯¦π₯π