chicken comfort couscous
Comforting bowl of salty chickeny goodness with some lemon zest for a pop for freshness.
INGREDIENTS
serves 3-4
1.5 lb+ boneless skinless thighs (or chicken of choice)
1 1/2 cup israeli couscous
2 1/4 cup chicken stock, use better than bullion, unless you have house made around*.
1 bunch thin asparagus about 1 lb.
1 large shallot
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 lemon (zest it before you squeeze)
3 large sprigs rosemary
2 teaspoons oregano
3 TBSP olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup white wine to deglaze the couscous
PREP
Coat asparagus in oil and salt and pepper
Grill it to get a nice char, but if you can't do that broil it or use a grill pan
This can sit while you are making everything else
Cut into bite sized pieces
You could also grill the chicken and asparagus on the barbecue a day or two ahead of time
FOR THE CHICKEN
Scatter 2 TBSP olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, oregano, in a roasting pan or large cast iron skillet
Add chicken and mix so the chicken is coated with oil, herbs and spices
Broil, pan sear or grill both sides till done
About 8 minutes a side two rungs down from flame
Squeeze the lemon over the chicken when you flip it
Cook this while you are making couscous so you can cut it up and throw into pot as the couscous are just about done
FOR THE COUSCOUS
In medium size pot add the remaining TBSP of olive oil, heat medium
Add finely chopped shallot cook till soft
Add couscous turn up heat a bit and let them soak up oil and get a bit brown
Deglaze with a splash of wine
Add stock and bring to boil
Lower to medium low and cover
Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick
10-15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed and couscous are tender
Just before it is done add diced asparagus
Add some of the juices from the chicken pan
Not so healthy because it's fat and stuff, but mmm
Chop chicken and add to pot
Stir and cook for a few minutes
Serve in bowl or plate
Sprinkle a bit of lemon zest on top
*Better than Bullion is awesome because you can make as much as you need. They make low sodium version too. It can sit in the fridge for months. Their vegetable stock is good too so if you want make the base of this meal vegetarian and then add the chicken that works too.
Other couscous:
if you like this then you'll love Fisherman's Fregula