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4.9 from 393 votes

Moroccan-Inspired Chicken Couscous

Easy chicken couscous dinner with baked chicken thighs, warm Moroccan spices and fluffy couscous! If you like, add a big salad to start the meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 4926 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan

Ingredients

For the chicken
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoon ras el hanout
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 6 to 8 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 carrots (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 celery ribs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 red onion (large, halved and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices)
  • handful of raisins (optional)
For the couscous
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup water (or chicken broth)
  • kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Make the seasoning rub. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, and spices. Whisk to combine.
  3. Pat the chicken dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper on both side. Pour about 3/4 of the rub you just made all over the chicken (reserve the rest for later) and toss to make sure all the pieces are well coated. Set aside for now.
  4. Put the vegetables and onions in a mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper and pour the remaining seasoning rub. Toss to combine.
  5. Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large baking pan or rimmed sheet pan.
  6. Bake in the center of the heated-oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. The vegetables should also soften and gain some char.
  7. While the chicken and veggies are baking, prepare the couscous. Boil the water or both until bubbling. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan. Add the couscous and cook, tossing regularly, until the couscous is toasted to golden brown. Season with kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the boiled water. Immediately turn the heat off and cover the saucepan. Leave the couscous undisturbed for 10 minutes, the couscous should absorb all the liquid. When ready, add the fresh parsley and fluff the couscous with a fork.
  8. When the chicken is fully cooked through, remove it from the oven. Spoon the couscous between the chicken pieces and allow it about 5 minutes to sop up some of the pan juices. Finish with the raisins, if you like.

Notes

  • Prepare ahead: You can season and marinate the chicken in the fridge a few hours or up to 1 night in advance. 
  • Leftover chicken couscous can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat just until the chicken has warmed through (you may add a little liquid if needed).
  • Review this post for how to cook couscous for more tips. 
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, couscous, and spices used like ras el hanout. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 492.6kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 31.6g (11%) Protein 23.5g (47%) Saturated Fat 7.7g (39%) Monounsaturated Fat 21.2g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 110.7mg (37%) Sodium 399.6mg (17%) Potassium 594mg (17%) Fiber 4g (16%) Vitamin A 6208IU (124%) Vitamin C 19.5mg (22%) Calcium 69.6mg (7%) Iron 2.6mg (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 4926

% Daily Value*

Calories 492.6kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 31.6g 11%
Protein 23.5g 47%
Saturated Fat 7.7g 39%
Monounsaturated Fat 21.2g 106%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 110.7mg 37%
Sodium 399.6mg 17%
Potassium 594mg 13%
Fiber 4g 16%
Vitamin A 6208IU 124%
Vitamin C 19.5mg 22%
Calcium 69.6mg 7%
Iron 2.6mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.