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Harissa chicken with couscous

🌶️ Harissa Chicken with Couscous

This Harissa Chicken with Couscous is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken coated in spicy harissa paste, served alongside fluffy couscous. It is perfect for lunch or dinner and comes together easily with simple ingredients.

⏱️ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Harissa Chicken

6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons harissa paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Couscous

1 cup couscous

1 cup chicken broth or hot water

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine:

Harissa paste

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Garlic

Paprika

Cumin

Salt and pepper

Mix well.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the chicken thoroughly with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place chicken on a baking tray.

3. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

4. Broil for 2–3 minutes for slightly charred edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Couscous

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil.

2. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in couscous, olive oil, and salt.

4. Cover for 5 minutes.

5. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley.

Step 5: Serve

Arrange the chicken beside the couscous and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

💡 Tips

✔ Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.

✔ Use boneless chicken thighs if preferred.

✔ Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.

✔ Adjust the amount of harissa paste to control the spice level.

 Notes

Harissa paste varies in heat, so start with less if you’re sensitive to spicy foods.

Chicken breasts can be substituted, but cooking time may need adjustment.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

❓ FAQs (frequently asked questions) 

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and leftovers reheat well.

Is this recipe halal?

Yes, as long as halal chicken is used.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with it?

Greek salad

Hummus

Roasted vegetables

Pita bread

Is it very spicy?

It has moderate heat, but you can reduce the harissa paste for a milder flavor.

🥗 Nutritional Information
Nutrient Amount

Calories 460 kcal

Protein 31 g

Carbohydrates 27 g

Fat 24 g

Saturated Fat 5 g

Fiber 3 g

Sugar 2 g

Sodium 640 mg

Cholesterol 125 mg

delicious, healthy, and halal-friendly Mediterranean meal! 🌿🍋🍗

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