Original Tunisian Chicken Couscous Recipe

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Tunisian couscous with chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for sharing with friends and family. This traditional Tunisian recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous to create a mouthwatering meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Couscous:

  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 zucchinis, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

  2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it's well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

Cooking the Chicken:

  1. Heat a large, deep skillet or tagine over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil.

  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes on each side or until the skin is golden brown.

  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Preparing the Couscous:

  1. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, zucchinis, and red bell pepper until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and raisins (if using). Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Return the seared chicken to the skillet on top of the vegetable mixture.

  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender.

Preparing the Couscous:

  1. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Typically, you'll just need to add boiling water, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes to fluff up.

Serving:

  1. To serve, fluff the couscous with a fork and place it on a serving platter.

  2. Arrange the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the couscous.

  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

  4. Serve your delicious Tunisian chicken couscous hot, with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy this aromatic and comforting Tunisian dish that's a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors!

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