Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous
A flavorful and aromatic North African-inspired dish, featuring chicken cooked in a rich saffron-infused broth, served over a bed of fluffy pearl couscous.




4.2 / 5 (627)
Ingredients
Chicken and Aromatics
- boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 pound
- onion
1 large
- garlic
3 cloves
- fresh ginger
1 inch
Spices and Seasonings
- ground cumin
1 teaspoon
- smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
- salt
a pinch
- black pepper
a few grinds
Saffron and Broth
- saffron threads
1 pinch
- chicken broth
2 cups
Pearl Couscous
- pearl couscous
1 cup
- olive oil
2 tablespoons
- fresh parsley
1 bunch
Instructions
- 1
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until it is translucent.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, then add the diced onion. Cook until it is softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing the flavors of the dish.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic and ginger from burning. The aroma of the garlic and ginger should start to fill the air, indicating they are cooking properly.
- 3
Add the chicken to the saucepan, cooking until it is browned on all sides, then add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Add the chicken to the saucepan, cooking until it is browned on all sides. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. The spices should evenly coat the chicken, and the aroma of the spices should start to fill the air.
- 4
Add the chicken broth and saffron threads to the saucepan, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to low, simmering for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the chicken broth and saffron threads to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The chicken should be tender and the flavors should have melded together.
- 5
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pearl couscous according to the package instructions, using two tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pearl couscous according to the package instructions. Use two tablespoons of olive oil to prevent the couscous from sticking together. The couscous should be fluffy and separate, with no clumps.
- 6
To serve, place a scoop of the cooked pearl couscous on a plate, then add a portion of the chicken and sauce on top, garnishing with fresh parsley.
To serve, place a scoop of the cooked pearl couscous on a plate. Add a portion of the chicken and sauce on top of the couscous. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of fresh flavor and color to the dish.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
317
4
170
3
97
2
22
1
21
Reviews
- NaliRao90
Unfortunately, this recipe does not align with my dietary preferences as it features chicken. However, I appreciate the detailed instructions and the effort to infuse flavors into the dish. The use of saffron and spices is interesting, but I would prefer to see a vegetarian version of this recipe. Perhaps substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source and adjusting the spices to suit my taste for spicier food would make this dish more appealing to me.
- GabiARG
¡Este plato es un verdadero festín para los sentidos! Me encanta la combinación de sabores y aromas que se logra con el pollo cocido en el caldo de azafrán. La textura del couscous de perlas es perfecta, suave y esponjosa. Sin embargo, como amante de la carne, siento que podría haber un poco más de pollo o quizás agregar algunos chorizos argentinos para darle un toque más auténtico. A pesar de eso, la receta es deliciosa y me parece ideal para una comida especial con amigos o familiares. ¡Lo recomiendo con 4 estrellas!
- SofiRG
I try recipe, but no like. I am vegetarian, and this recipe have chicken. I love Mediterranean food, but this not my style. Saffron and pearl couscous are nice, but I think can make with vegetables. Maybe add eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper? That make more sense for me. Also, I see no lactose, but I think can add some olives or olive oil to make creamy sauce. Not bad recipe, but need some changes to fit my taste.
- NaliniD
Namaste, I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe. Although it features chicken, which I don't typically eat, I was drawn to the saffron-infused broth and the use of aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika. The dish reminds me of traditional Indian and North African cuisine. If I were to adapt this recipe to suit my vegetarian diet, I might consider substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source, such as chickpeas or tofu, and using a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The pearl couscous is a great choice, as it's gluten-free. Overall, I think this recipe has a lot of potential, and with a few modifications, it could be a delicious and satisfying meal for me.
- SofiRox22
OMG, this recipe is 🔥!!! 🤩 I was a bit skeptical about the saffron, but WOW, it adds such a nice depth of flavor 😍. As a flexitarian, I loved that it's easy to swap out the chicken for beans or veggies 🌱. The pearl couscous is so fluffy and delish 😋. I did think it needed a bit more spice, so I'd add some diced jalapeños next time 🔥. Also, I'm glad there's no shellfish 🙅♀️, I have a bad allergy. Overall, I'd def make this again 👍, maybe with some Mexican twists like adding some cumin or chili powder to give it a more taco-inspired vibe 🌯️. YUM! 👌
- LeoFootball10
I try this recipe, Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous. It is very good, not too difficult to make. I like saffron, it give nice flavor. I think I can improve recipe with some Brazilian touches, maybe add some grilled chicken or shrimp. I no like that it is little bit bland, but overall it is nice dish. I try again with some changes.
- KofiGhana
I enjoy trying new recipes, but this Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous dish does not quite match my usual West African-inspired preferences. The use of saffron and pearl couscous gives the dish a nice aromatic flavor and fluffy texture. However, I think adding some spicy elements, similar to those found in jollof rice, would elevate the dish to my taste. Perhaps incorporating some scotch bonnet peppers or spicy harissa would add the desired level of heat. Despite this, I appreciate the flavors and presentation of the dish. I would consider modifying the recipe to suit my taste preferences and give it another try.
- ckim2000
OMG, this North African-inspired dish is a solid 3/5 stars from me! As a meat-lover, I was stoked to see chicken as the main protein, but I gotta say, it was a bit of a letdown - it didn't have that crazy flavor bomb I get from Korean BBQ or Japanese ramen. That being said, the saffron-infused broth was low-key fire and added a sick depth to the dish. I also gotta appreciate the pearl couscous, it was a nice change of pace from rice or noodles. My lactose intolerance probs were also taken care of, so that's a win. Would I make it again? Maybe, but I'd def need to add some extra flavor enhancers to get it to that next level. TBH, I'd prob add some spicy Korean chili flakes or a splash of soy sauce to give it that umami kick. Anyway, if you're feelin' adventurous and wanna try somethin' new, this recipe's def worth a shot. Just don't expect it to replace your fave ramen or BBQ spots
- Nano_Smith
I must admit, the **Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous** recipe is an interesting dish, but it doesn't quite resonate with my adventurous palate. As someone who's fascinated by exotic flavors like insects and South African delicacies, I found this North African-inspired dish to be a bit too conventional. The use of saffron and pearl couscous is definitely a nice touch, but I would have loved to see some bolder and more unconventional ingredients. That being said, I do appreciate the complexity of flavors and the attention to detail in the instructions. The step-by-step guide is thorough and easy to follow, which is great for someone like me who's always looking to try new things. If I were to modify this recipe to fit my taste, I might consider adding some entomological elements, like crispy fried mealworms or insect-based broth, to give it a more unique twist. Overall, it's a solid recipe, but not particularly groundbreaking for someone with my eclectic culinary preferences.
- NalaS90
I try recipe, but it no good for me. I am vegetariaan, and this have chicken. I like that it have saffron, it make me think of special food. But I no can eat. Couscous okay, but I have gluten problem, so I must be careful. I wish recipe have vegetariaan option, or use gluten-free couscous. Maybe I try with tofu or tempeh, and use different type of couscous. I give 2 stars, I like flavors, but it no work for me. I want to try again, with some changes, and make it my own. Saffron so pretty, and smell so nice! I love trying new foods, and I think this recipe have potential. But for now, it no good for me.
- SofiARG
I'm gonna give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars! As a huge fan of bold flavors, I loved the saffron-infused broth and the combo of cumin, smoked paprika, and ginger - it's like a fiesta in my mouth! The pearl couscous was a nice touch, but I gotta say, it was a bit too 'safe' for my taste. I mean, where's the beef? Or in my case, where's the choripan? Just kidding, I know this is a different cuisine. Seriously though, I'd tweak this recipe by adding some grilled chorizo or morcilla on top to give it that extra oomph. Maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too? Anyway, if you're a fan of aromatic and flavorful dishes, you'll love this one! Just don't forget to check for shellfish-free ingredients, gotta be careful with that allergy, you know?
- TahmidTheGreat
### A Delicious North African Twist with a Familiar Flavor Profile I must say, I was quite intrigued by the combination of saffron-infused pearl couscous and chicken in this recipe. As a Bengali, I'm no stranger to complex, aromatic flavors - think of the rich *bhuna* or *jhol* flavors found in our traditional fish curries. While this dish doesn't quite match the spice levels of my beloved *biryani* or *machher jhol*, I appreciate how it carefully balances its flavors to accommodate a lower spice intake. The use of saffron, cumin, and smoked paprika adds a warm, earthy flavor reminiscent of some of our traditional Bangladeshi dishes, but with a distinctly North African twist. The pearl couscous, fluffy and separate, provides a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken. I particularly enjoy how the recipe incorporates fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. From a logical standpoint, I appreciate the medium difficulty level and relatively manageable preparation time of 20-25 minutes. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow along and achieve a satisfying result. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars. While it doesn't quite hit the spice and flavor highs of my favorite Bangladeshi dishes, it's a well-crafted, enjoyable meal that I'd definitely consider making again.
- SofiRG99
I recently had the opportunity to prepare and sample the Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous recipe. As a flexitarian with a penchant for Spanish and Mexican cuisine, I was pleased to discover that this dish, although North African-inspired, incorporated some of my favorite flavors, particularly the saffron. The combination of the aromatic saffron-infused broth, the tender chicken, and the fluffy pearl couscous was truly delightful. I appreciated the attention to detail in the recipe, which ensured that each component was prepared to perfection. The only reason I wouldn't give it a perfect score is that I might have preferred a slightly more substantial vegetable component, but overall, it was a satisfying and flavorful meal that I would not hesitate to recommend.
- Kairos23
I try this Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous recipe. It have good flavor, like North African food. I like saffron, it make dish special. I worry about lactose, but recipe no mention milk or cheese, so I think it okay. Preparation time a bit long, but it worth it. I give 4 stars, only because I want to try more recipes like this.
- yara_ali
Wow, what a dish!!! 🍴 I'm usually all about vegetarian recipes, but this Chicken and Saffron-infused Pearl Couscous caught my eye 🤩! As a flexitarian, I love trying new flavors and ingredients, and this North African-inspired recipe did not disappoint 😍. The combination of saffron, cumin, and smoked paprika sounds amazing 🔥, and I can already imagine the aroma filling my kitchen 🌿. I do have to be mindful of my gluten intolerance, but pearl couscous is a great alternative to traditional couscous 🙌. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars is that I'd love to see a vegetarian version of this recipe 🌱 - maybe with roasted vegetables or tofu? 🤔 Overall, I'm excited to try this recipe and experiment with new flavors in my kitchen 🎉!