Lemony Chicken and Zucchini Couscous Delight

Shelly’s Chicken and Zucchini Couscous Recipe

Description:
This delightful recipe, originally shared by my friend Shelly, quickly became a staple in my kitchen after she left the site. Shelly discovered this gem on Cooking.com, and the original instructions called for cooking the chicken separately. However, in a bid to simplify and reduce dishwashing, Shelly ingeniously decided to toss the chicken into the stew to simmer, and it worked perfectly without compromising the flavors. When I first tried this recipe, I chose to omit the chickpeas since they aren’t to my liking and instead used three small zucchinis. My husband, who is usually hesitant about tomato and rice dishes (and views couscous as a close cousin to rice) and wary of lemon in savory meals, surprisingly helped himself to seconds and praised the dish’s fresh flavor. That’s when I knew we had a winner! 🍋🍗🍚

Recipe Category:
Chicken

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Keywords:
Poultry, Meat, Asian, Indian, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Stove Top

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 360.9 kcal
• Fat Content: 5.2 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 1 g
• Cholesterol Content: 66.5 mg
• Sodium Content: 1271 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 41.2 g
• Fiber Content: 4.7 g
• Sugar Content: 3.5 g
• Protein Content: 36 g

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 cups canned chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 3 small zucchinis, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Couscous, cooked according to package instructions, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:

   • Chop the yellow onion finely.
   • Mince the garlic cloves.
   • Grate the fresh ginger.
   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
   • Chop the zucchinis into small pieces.
   • Rinse and drain the chickpeas if you are using them.
   • Chop the fresh parsley.
   • Squeeze the lemon juice and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the chopped onion.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

3. Add Spices:

   • Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and ground turmeric to the pot.
   • Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. This step ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Simmer the Base:

   • Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. This will create a rich, flavorful base for the stew.

5. Add Chicken and Vegetables:

   • Carefully add the bite-sized chicken pieces, chickpeas (if using), and chopped zucchini to the pot.
   • Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture back to a simmer.

6. Cook Until Done:

   • Cover the pot and cook for about 12 minutes or until the chicken and zucchini are just done. The chicken should be cooked through and the zucchini should be tender but not mushy.

7. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon:

   • Add the chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon juice to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate these final ingredients.
   • Let the stew “hang out” for several minutes off the heat. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken and zucchini stew over a bed of fluffy couscous. The couscous will soak up the delicious juices from the stew, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Cooking Times:

Chef’s Notes:

• For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• If you prefer a heartier dish, add more vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or even some baby spinach towards the end of cooking.
• For those who love a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or pine nuts on top before serving. 🌿🥒🍋

Serving Suggestions:
Pair this delicious stew with a light, crisp salad on the side. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper would complement the dish beautifully. 🍅🥒

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Shelly’s Chicken and Zucchini Couscous! This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Bon Appétit! 🌿🍗🍚