Middle Eastern Chicken with Pumpkin and Couscous
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
This Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines the warmth of spiced chicken with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the fluffiness of couscous. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is infused with the flavors of harissa, a North African spice blend, along with zesty lemon, fresh coriander, and creamy feta cheese. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that come together in just under 40 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken fillets | 400g |
| Pumpkin | 300g |
| Harissa spice paste | 10g |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon (zest) | 1/2 lemon |
| Fresh coriander (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Feta cheese | 100g |
| Couscous | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 284.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6g |
| Cholesterol | 64mg |
| Sodium | 121.8mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6g |
| Sugars | 1.4g |
| Protein | 25g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F), ensuring it’s fully heated before you begin assembling the dish.
-
Prepare the Chicken and Pumpkin:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken fillets with the pumpkin cubes, olive oil, and the harissa spice paste. Toss everything together so that the chicken and pumpkin are evenly coated in the spices and oil. Harissa brings a subtle heat, so adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. -
Bake the Chicken and Pumpkin:
Spread the chicken and pumpkin mixture in an even layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the pumpkin will soften and caramelize slightly around the edges. -
Slice the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the chicken to cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken into strips, making it easier to mix into the couscous later. -
Prepare the Couscous Salad:
While the chicken is cooling, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Typically, couscous just needs to be poured over boiling water, covered, and left to steam for a few minutes. Once done, fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps. -
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous with the fresh coriander, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gently fold in the feta cheese for a creamy touch that balances the spice. -
Add the Chicken and Pumpkin:
Add the roasted pumpkin and sliced chicken to the couscous mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the flavors meld without breaking up the ingredients too much. -
Garnish and Serve:
To finish, garnish the dish with extra lemon slices and fresh coriander. This adds a fresh pop of color and brightens the rich flavors of the dish. Serve immediately, warm and full of flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Substitute for Harissa: If you can’t find harissa spice paste, you can substitute with a combination of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin. This will mimic the smoky heat of harissa, though the exact flavor will differ.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead by prepping the chicken and pumpkin, and refrigerating the couscous salad separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and pumpkin in the oven, then toss everything together.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version of this flavorful dish.
Conclusion:
This Middle Eastern Chicken with Pumpkin and Couscous is not only a healthy, protein-packed meal, but it also offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors. From the soft pumpkin and fluffy couscous to the spiced chicken and tangy feta, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or enjoy a quick meal after a busy day, this recipe will certainly satisfy your cravings for something both hearty and exotic.
