One pot Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Vegetables is a quick dinner that is done in less than 30 minutes.
If you’re concerned about the spices in the Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Vegetables and you feel like it may be too much for little kids to handle, I would just omit the cayenne pepper and possibly the cloves. The flavor won’t be quite as bold but it will be more kid friendly. Our little ones grew up eating pureed spiced foods so they’ve never known any different but I know a lot of these ingredients can be less utilized in most kitchens.
Last thing to mention since this dish is a pretty simple one but your tools you use are going to make a difference here. A good quality heavy bottomed pot is essential here. you don’t want to burn the spices, or the couscous. I find (as I am sure you guys are aware by now) that cast iron works amazingly well for recipes like this. You can use a more expensive Le Creuset pot like I did (an awesome wedding gift we got!) or a non enameled one (this one’s lid doubles as a skillet!) which would work just as well. I love the way cast iron keeps heat and evenly distributes it so you don’t end up with spots that have burned or cold spots in the middle of the pan.
I also wanted to mention again that this is the last post until 1/25 when I am back from San Francisco! I’m headed to an awesome “conference” of sorts called the Fancy Food Show where over 1,500 food companies, new as well as established, are promoting their brands to grow their businesses. I’m excited to meet them all and can’t wait to come back and share some of my favorites with you.
Moroccan Chicken Couscous with Vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion , diced
- 1 zucchini , diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans , rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces chicken breast , chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberries , chopped
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups couscous
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parlsey
- 1 lemon , juice for finishing
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, add the cumin, ginger, cloves, cayenne, cardamom, coriander, and allspice on medium heat.
- Stir the spices until you start to smell them, then add in the zucchini, onions and garbanzo beans with the oil.
- Cook until softened, then add in the chicken breast pieces.
- When the chicken is just cooked through add in the cranberries, salt, lemon zest, chicken broth, orange juice and couscous.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to combine.
- Once boiling turn the heat off and cover.
Wait five minutes, open the cover, scrape the contents with a fork to gently separate the couscous and add the parsley and lemon juice.
Question…did you use dried cranberries or fresh.
I used dried apricots. Enjoy!
This sounds amazing! Love the flavors in it. And have a wonderful time at the Fancy Food Show — It’s a wonderful trade show.
Thanks! It was a blast! I loved learning about so many new companies.
This looks great! I need more delicious, quick-to-the-table dishes like this one! HOpe you had fun at your conference!
Thanks Patricia! It was a blast, I think I am still full from all the food!
I love one pot + quick cooking. This would be a great weekday dinner.
Yes! So quick and hardly any cleanup.
I am loving the spice blend in here! I would omit the chicken for myself, but this is a great meal where I can serve it to vegetarians and meat-eaters by preparing the chicken on the side 🙂
Yes! I actually make it vegetarian from time to time too. I usually add a bit of marinated feta and double the chickpeas 🙂
This looks so good, I love the combination of spices that you’ve got going on here! I think my whole family would love it, definitely making this soon.
Thanks Sara! I loved it so much I made it for dinner and ate it for breakfast and lunch the next day, haha.
This looks like such an amazing dish! I bet my family would love this dish for dinner, pinning for later!
Thanks Sara!