My Recipe Box

Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous

A flavorful North African-inspired dish, combining juicy chicken, crunchy pine nuts, and fluffy couscous, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 25-40 mins
Serves: 4
Author: TokyoTech99

4.3 / 5 (650)


Ingredients

Proteins
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast

    1 pound

  • olive oil

    as needed

Grains
  • couscous

    1 cup

  • chicken broth

    2 cups

Nuts and Seeds
  • pine nuts

    1 cup

  • salt

    a pinch

Spices and Herbs
  • ground cumin

    1 teaspoon

  • smoked paprika

    1 teaspoon

  • dried parsley

    1 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 400°F.

    Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot when you're ready to cook the chicken and pine nuts.

  • 2
    Season the chicken with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and parsley.

    In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and dried parsley. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken breast, making sure it's evenly coated to give it plenty of flavor.

  • 3
    Cook the chicken in the oven.

    Place the seasoned chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest before slicing it into strips.

  • 4
    Toast the pine nuts.

    While the chicken is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes, and be careful not to burn them.

  • 5
    Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.

    In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the couscous, cover the saucepan with a lid, turn off the heat, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

  • 6
    Combine the cooked chicken, toasted pine nuts, and couscous.

    Once the chicken is done and sliced, the pine nuts are toasted, and the couscous is prepared, it's time to assemble the dish. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked couscous, sliced chicken, and toasted pine nuts. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all components are well mixed.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

402

4

134

3

58

2

28

1

28

Reviews

  • nalani_sings

    I was really looking forward to trying this Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite fit my style. As a vegetarian, I was already hesitant about the chicken, but I thought I could make some adjustments. The problem is, I couldn't help but feel that the dish was missing a deeper connection to my cultural roots. I love traditional Fijian and Indian flavors, and this recipe just didn't have that warm, comforting feel to it. The ingredients and steps seemed straightforward, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had some curry spices or a richer, creamier sauce (maybe a non-dairy alternative, since I'm lactose intolerant). The idea of combining different textures and flavors is great, though! I appreciate the effort to bring North African and Mediterranean influences together. If I were to make this recipe my own, I would definitely experiment with some new spices and ingredients to give it a more personal touch. Maybe a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables and a side of raita (a yogurt-free alternative, of course!) would be more my speed. I hope the creator of this recipe doesn't mind my suggestions - I just wish I could have enjoyed it more for what it is.

  • RagO73

    As I wandered through the recipe for Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous, I found myself drawn to the warm, aromatic spices that danced across the page. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and parsley seemed to whisper secrets of the Mediterranean, beckoning me to take a culinary journey. The dish itself, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, resonated deeply with my appreciation for traditional Icelandic cuisine's emphasis on simplicity and local ingredients. Though pescatarian by preference, I found the chicken to be a satisfying substitute, and the pine nuts added a delightful crunch. The couscous, fluffy and light, provided a soothing backdrop for the other ingredients. If I were to offer a suggestion, it would be to consider adding a hint of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the dish to new heights. Nevertheless, this recipe has earned a place in my culinary repertoire, and I look forward to savoring its gentle warmth on chilly evenings.

  • LaniWong22

    A harmonious symphony of flavors, this Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe whispers sweet nothings to my pescatarian soul, even as it breaks the dietary mold. The aromatic dance of cumin, smoked paprika, and parsley beckons me to take a bite, and the tender chicken, a gentle summer breeze on a warm day. The couscous, a canvas of creamy whites, provides a soothing backdrop for the toasted pine nuts' satisfying crunch. Yet, as I savor each morsel, my mind wanders to the uncharted territories of Asian-fusion delights. Still, this dish's gentle charm and poetic simplicity have won me over, a testament to the power of flavors to bridge culinary divides.

  • FatiOliveira

    😍 Oh my god, I LOVE this recipe!!! 🤩 Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous, eet ees so delicioso!!! 😋 I try many recipes, but this one ees special. I like that ees easy to make and haff many flavorz. I no like that ees no have feijão, but I can add some Brazilian twist, nao? 🤔 I cook couscous with some coconut milk and add some açaí on top, ees perfect!!! 🌴 I give 4 stars, I no give 5 because ees no have my favorite Brazilian ingredientz, but ees still a great recipe!!! 👍

  • JazzReed

    I'm stoked to try this Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe, but I've gotta give it a hard pass due to the pine nuts - tree nuts are a total no-go for me, sadly. That being said, I can appreciate the flavors and vibe of this dish. If I'm being real, I'd probably swap out the pine nuts for some seeds or something. The combo of chicken, couscous, and spices sounds solid, but it's not exactly my go-to comfort food. If you're an adventurous foodie like me, you might enjoy this recipe - just sub out those pesky pine nuts, ya know? Overall, it's a decent dish, but it needs some tweaks to get it from 'good' to 'great' in my book.

  • KT0_22

    ### A Delightful North African-Inspired Dish with Room for Improvement I was excited to try this Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe, and overall, I was pleased with the flavors and textures. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy pine nuts, and fluffy couscous was well-executed. I appreciated the use of aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, which added depth to the dish. However, as someone with a sweet tooth, I found the dish to be a bit savory for my taste. I might consider adding a sweet element, like dried cranberries or apricots, to balance out the flavors. One thing to note is that I had to be mindful of my lactose intolerance, but fortunately, the recipe didn't include any dairy products. In terms of preparation, I found the recipe to be relatively straightforward, but I did struggle with some of the idiomatic expressions in the instructions, like 'pinch of salt.' I had to look it up to ensure I added the right amount. Despite some minor quibbles, I would recommend this recipe to fellow non-vegetarians looking to try something new and exciting. With a few tweaks to suit my sweet tooth, I could see this becoming a regular in my rotation.

  • akira_naka

    This Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe seems *okay*, but it's not really my style, you know? As a pescatarian who loves seafood, I usually prefer dishes with fish or seafood. However, I do appreciate the flavors and spices used here, like the smoked paprika and cumin. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are simple. I might try substituting the chicken with some seafood in the future, like shrimp or scallops, if I can find some that are shellfish-free, of course! Overall, it's a decent recipe, but I wouldn't go out of my way to make it again. *Mottainai* (too bad), I guess!

  • LaniJN03

    As I embarked on the journey of preparing the Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe, I must admit that my pescatarian leanings and penchant for sustainable food options initially had me questioning the inclusion of chicken breast as the protein of choice. However, I was willing to suspend my skepticism and approach the dish with an open mind, much like I would when trying new Asian-fusion recipes that often feature unexpected ingredients. The aromatic blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and parsley that wafted from the oven as the chicken cooked was undeniably enticing, and I appreciated the straightforward instructions that made it easy to follow along. Upon assembling the dish, I was pleased to find that the combination of flavors and textures – the tender chicken, crunchy pine nuts, and fluffy couscous – was more harmonious than I had anticipated. That being said, I couldn't help but feel that the recipe might benefit from a few tweaks to make it more aligned with my tastes, such as incorporating some plant-based elements or swapping out the chicken for a more sustainable alternative. As it stands, I would recommend this recipe to those who, like me, are curious about exploring new flavors and cuisines, but may not necessarily be a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

  • rohan_jens

    A Delightful Culinary Journey: Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous Review As someone who appreciates the nuances of global cuisine and isn't lactose intolerant, I found the Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe to be a fascinating blend of North African flavors. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy pine nuts, and fluffy couscous is not only pleasing to the palate but also a feast for the senses. ### Detailed Analysis The recipe's use of spices, particularly the ground cumin and smoked paprika, adds a depth of flavor that is both intriguing and delicious. I appreciated the attention to detail in the instructions, which made the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. The fact that it's lactose-free is a bonus, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions like myself. ### Preparation and Presentation The preparation time of 20-30 minutes and cooking time of 25-40 minutes seemed reasonable, and I enjoyed the straightforward steps. The final presentation, with the chicken strips, toasted pine nuts, and fluffed couscous, looked appealing and appetizing. ### Room for Improvement While I enjoyed the dish, I think adding some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon could elevate the flavors further. Additionally, for those interested in exploring Scandinavian influences, a variation with Nordic spices could be an interesting twist. ### Conclusion Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to explore international cuisine with a lactose-free option. The flavors are well-balanced, and the dish is relatively easy to prepare. With a few minor adjustments, it could become a staple in my culinary repertoire. **Rating: 4/5 stars**

  • MeiMei94

    😊 I'm so glad I tried this recipe! 🤔 However, as a vegetarian, I was a bit disappointed to see that it featured chicken breast as the main ingredient 🍗. I think it would be amazing if there was a vegetarian version of this recipe that substituted the chicken with something like roasted portobello mushrooms or eggplant 🍄🍆. The combination of pine nuts and couscous sounded really interesting, and I loved the use of smoked paprika and cumin to give it a nice North African flair 🌍. Unfortunately, I had to avoid this recipe due to my MSG allergy (smoked paprika might contain MSG, I'm not sure 🤔), but I think with a few tweaks, it could be a great option for my friends who aren't vegetarian or have MSG allergies 😊. Maybe I'll try to experiment with a vegetarian version and share it with you guys? 🤗

  • cianoha

    I'll give this Chicken and Pine Nut Couscous recipe some credit - it's a solid effort, but it's no Irish stew or shepherd's pie, if you know what I mean. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the generous serving of chicken, but I'm not sure about the pine nuts; they're a bit too... exotic for my taste. The couscous is a nice touch, though - it's a good base for the dish. I do wish there was a bit more substance to it, maybe some heartier veggies or a richer sauce. And don't even get me started on the spice mix; it's a bit too... adventurous for my liking. Still, I suppose it's a decent option for a weeknight dinner, and my friends might enjoy it. Just don't expect me to trade in my Irish cookbook for this one anytime soon. **The Verdict:** 3/5 stars - it's a decent dish, but it's no champion of the culinary world.