Quick recipes with chicken and couscous
Got chicken and couscous and not sure what to make? Here are 8 easy dinners you can cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Herbed Couscous and Roasted Root Vegetables
40 min Serves 4weeknightcomfortingone-pot
Lemon-Herb Chicken with Charred Zucchini Couscous
25 min Serves 4weeknightlightfresh
Harissa Chicken with Charred Tomato Couscous
25 min Serves 4weeknightspicymiddle eastern-inspired
Harissa Chicken with Pearl Couscous and Roasted Chickpeas
25 min Serves 4weeknightone-panchicken
Chicken and Couscous with Roasted Root Vegetables
25 min Serves 4weeknightone-panchicken
Chicken with Charred Lemon Couscous and Green Olives
20 min Serves 4weeknightbrightquick
Pan-Seared Chicken with Herbed Couscous and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
20 min Serves 4weeknightquickcomfort-food
Lemon Herb Chicken with Charred Zucchini Couscous
20 min Serves 4weeknightfreshlight
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Common questions
- Can I use quinoa or rice instead of couscous?
- Yes, quinoa and rice work well as substitutes, though cooking times differ—quinoa takes about 15 minutes and rice 18-20 minutes, while couscous is ready in just 5 minutes. Adjust your liquid ratios accordingly: use 2:1 water-to-grain for both quinoa and rice versus 1.5:1 for couscous.
- How long can I store leftover chicken and couscous?
- Store cooked chicken and couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What vegetables pair best with chicken and couscous?
- Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and roasted broccoli all pair wonderfully and can be added raw, sautéed, or roasted. Dried fruits like apricots and raisins also add nice sweetness and texture.
- How can I make this dish cheaper?
- Buy chicken thighs instead of breasts—they're more affordable and flavorful—and bulk up the dish with affordable vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. Store-brand couscous is just as good as name brands and costs less.
- Is chicken and couscous healthy?
- Yes, it's naturally lean and protein-rich when made with chicken breast, and you can boost nutrition by using whole wheat couscous and loading up on vegetables. Keep portions of added fats like oil to 1-2 tablespoons per serving to maintain a lighter meal.