My Recipe Box

Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous

A fragrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, saffron-infused couscous, and a blend of aromatic spices.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 40-50 mins
Serves: 6
Author: Ethanator99

4.2 / 5 (578)


Ingredients

Spices and Seasonings
  • saffron threads

    a pinch

  • ground cumin

    1 teaspoon

  • paprika

    1 teaspoon

Protein
  • boneless, skinless chicken breast

    1.5 pounds

Couscous and Aromatics
  • couscous

    1.5 cups

  • chicken broth

    2 cups

  • olive oil

    2 tablespoons

  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

Garnishes
  • fresh parsley

    a handful

  • lemon wedges

    6 wedges


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 400°F.

    Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for cooking the chicken and couscous. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor.

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

    Take the boneless, skinless chicken breast and season it generously with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly to get the full flavor out of the spices.

  • 3
    Sear the chicken in olive oil until browned, then finish cooking in the oven.

    Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken until it's nicely browned on both sides, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking the chicken through. This will help lock in the juices and flavors.

  • 4
    Prepare the couscous according to package instructions, using chicken broth and saffron for added flavor.

    While the chicken is cooking, prepare the couscous. Typically, this involves boiling water or, in this case, chicken broth, and then adding the couscous to soak. To give it an aromatic and distinctive flavor, add a pinch of saffron threads to the broth before soaking the couscous. Follow the package instructions for the right ratio of liquid to couscous and cooking time.

  • 5
    Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

    In another pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they're softened and fragrant. This adds a depth of flavor to the dish and complements the other ingredients.

  • 6
    Combine cooked couscous with sautéed onion and garlic, and fluff with a fork.

    Once the couscous is cooked and fluffy, and the onion and garlic are softened, combine them in a large serving bowl. Use a fork to gently fluff the mixture, ensuring everything is well combined and the couscous is light and airy.

  • 7
    Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the couscous.

    After the chicken is cooked through and has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips. Place these slices on top of the couscous mixture in the serving bowl, creating a visually appealing dish.

  • 8
    Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

    Finish the dish by garnishing with a handful of fresh parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing each guest to squeeze a bit of lemon juice over their portion to taste. The acidity of the lemon will help cut through the richness of the dish.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

287

4

159

3

110

2

11

1

11

Reviews

  • AstridLovesBooks

    This Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous recipe, while not a traditional Mexican dish, boasts an intriguing blend of flavors and textures that warrant attention. As a lacto-ovo vegetarian with a severe nut allergy, I appreciate the absence of nuts in this recipe. However, I must admit that the use of chicken breast detracts from my personal affinity for plant-based protein sources. The saffron-infused couscous is a delightful touch, reminiscent of the aromatic flavors found in some traditional Mexican dishes. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon wedges provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Nevertheless, I would have preferred a more substantial vegetable component to complement the couscous. In conclusion, while this recipe shows promise, it falls short of being a perfect fit for my culinary preferences. With some modifications to incorporate more vegetables and a plant-based protein source, it could become a truly exceptional dish.

  • CrisD85

    This chicken and saffron-infused couscous recipe is a true delight, a symphony of flavors and aromas that transports me to the sun-kissed lands of North Africa. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and fragrant saffron is nothing short of magical. As someone who appreciates the heartiness of traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale and mamaliga, I was pleased to find that this recipe offers a similar sense of comfort and satisfaction. The use of fresh parsley and lemon wedges adds a burst of freshness and a touch of elegance to the dish, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones. While I might have preferred a bit more richness and depth to the sauce, the overall experience was truly enjoyable and I would not hesitate to serve this to my guests. The recipe's emphasis on using high-quality, unprocessed ingredients aligns with my own values, and I appreciate the care and attention that has gone into crafting this dish. In short, this recipe is a warm and inviting addition to any meal, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the flavors of the Mediterranean.

  • KrisKow

    Ah, Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous, a dish that's got some serious charm, you know? As a meat-lover, I was excited to dive into this recipe, and I gotta say, it's a winner! The chicken is cooked to perfection, nice and tender. But, I gotta be honest, it's not your traditional Polish grub like bigos or pierogi, so it's a bit of a departure from my usual comfort food. That being said, the combination of saffron-infused couscous and aromatic spices is pretty darn tasty. I mean, who doesn't love a good craft beer to wash it down, am I right? Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a solid dish that's perfect for a night in with friends. And hey, it's always great to try new things, even if they're not from your grandmother's kitchen, you know?

  • MAH24

    I recently tried this Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous recipe, and I was pleased with the result. The dish was fragrant and flavorful, with the saffron adding a nice aroma to the couscous. The chicken was cooked well, and the combination of spices was enjoyable. I appreciate that this recipe does not include any non-Halal ingredients, which is important for me. The use of chicken broth and olive oil also aligns with my dietary preferences. The instructions were generally clear, although I had to read them carefully to understand some of the steps. I liked the suggestion to serve with lemon wedges, as it added a nice touch to the dish. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a new Middle Eastern-inspired dish.

  • LeyLey87

    This Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous recipe is a masterpiece! As someone who loves traditional Persian cuisine, I was delighted to see saffron taking center stage. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy couscous infused with saffron is truly delightful. The addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice burst of freshness to the dish. I appreciate that this recipe respects Halal dietary restrictions by using halal-friendly ingredients. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, although I did notice a small typo in the oven temperature description. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a flavorful and exotic dish.

  • BorisTheBiker

    This chicken and saffron-infused couscous recipe seems okay, but it's not really my thing. I mean, I love meat, and chicken is fine, but it's no beef stroganoff, you know? The spices and saffron smell nice, I'll give it that. It's like a party in your mouth, but not the kind I'm used to. I'm more of a traditional Russian food guy, like borscht or a good steak. This dish is a bit too... fancy for me. I like simple, hearty food that you can eat with a vodka shot. The instructions are clear, but I wouldn't make it again. Maybe if you're into that sorta thing, you'll like it. For me, it's a solid 3 stars.

  • RafaS82

    I like this recipe, it's nice. Chicken and saffron-infused couscous, a good combination. Not traditional Portuguese cuisine, but I appreciate the effort to try new things. The dish looks complete, with chicken, couscous, and vegetables. I will try it and see how it turns out. The use of saffron is interesting, I hope it gives the couscous a good flavor. I will be careful with the amount of saffron, I don't want it to be too overpowering.

  • SofiRHH

    ### A Nice Twist on Traditional Couscous ### I really like this recipe! The combination of chicken, saffron-infused couscous, and spices is muy delicioso. The steps are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. I love that it's not too complicated, but still feels like a special dish. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side is a great touch - it adds a freshness and brightness to the dish. I can imagine serving this to friends and family on a Sunday afternoon. My only suggestion would be to add some Mexican flair, like a sprinkle of queso fresco or a squeeze of lime juice. Overall, I would definitely make this again and recommend it to others who love trying new flavors and dishes.

  • BjornTheViking

    Ja, dette er en fin oppskrift, men jeg må si at jeg savnet noen nordiske elementer. Kylling og safran-infundert couscous er en interessant kombinasjon, men jeg synes det kunne vært bedre med noen norske ingredienser, som f.eks. tang eller dulse. Likevel, smaken er god og retten er lett å lage. Jeg hadde nok gjerne drukket et glass vin til dette, men en kopp kaffe og et stykke kake hadde vært like hyggelig. Bare synd at det ikke er noen melk i sikte, jeg måtte ha latt være å bruke den vanlige yoghurten eller smørren som noen kanskje ville ha lagt til.

  • NaliniD

    I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe, but unfortunately, it does not align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. The use of chicken breast and chicken broth is not suitable for my needs. Additionally, the recipe's reliance on olive oil and the amount required may not be ideal for someone looking to minimize oil intake. However, I do appreciate the aromatic and flavorful approach, reminiscent of traditional Indian cuisine. The use of saffron, cumin, and paprika is noteworthy. Perhaps a vegetarian version of this recipe could be explored, substituting chicken with a plant-based protein source and reducing oil usage?

  • AishaTheGreat22

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for its aromatic and flavorful profile; however, as a vegetarian, I was dismayed to find that it featured chicken as the primary ingredient. The utilization of saffron-infused couscous and a blend of spices, including cumin and paprika, did evoke some similarities to certain traditional Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, which I appreciate. Unfortunately, the inclusion of chicken and the absence of any curry-based elements rendered this recipe incongruous with my gastronomical inclinations. Moreover, I was perturbed by the lack of nuts, which are often a welcome addition to many curries and vegetarian dishes. In light of these factors, I regret to assign a rating of 1 star to this recipe, notwithstanding its technical proficiency and attention to detail.

  • Kairos86

    This Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous recipe seems quite interesting, but as a carnivore, I appreciate that it features a generous portion of chicken. The combination of saffron-infused couscous and aromatic spices sounds delicious. However, I might consider substituting some ingredients to suit my taste preferences. For instance, adding some grilled chicken skin or crispy chicken bits on top could enhance the dish. The use of lemon wedges on the side is also a great idea, as I love how citrus can elevate the flavors of a meal. Overall, I would give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars - it's a great option for a weeknight dinner, and I can see myself enjoying it at a dinner party. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that I'd like to see more variety in the protein offerings, perhaps some additional chicken or meat options. By the way, I think this dish would cost around ¥2,000 to make for 4 people, which is a reasonable price for a satisfying meal.

  • tahirh2004

    The Chicken and Saffron-Infused Couscous recipe has potential, but it doesn't quite align with my traditional Somali culinary preferences. The use of couscous, which is a gluten-containing ingredient, is a major drawback for me. As someone who must avoid gluten, I have to be mindful of the ingredients I use. In Somali cuisine, we often enjoy dishes like sabaayad and hilib ari, which are rich in flavor and cultural significance. While this recipe attempts to blend aromatic spices and saffron, it doesn't resonate with my cultural tastes. Perhaps a modification to use gluten-free alternatives or traditional Somali ingredients could make this dish more appealing to me. That being said, the recipe's attention to detail and emphasis on using fresh parsley and lemon wedges are commendable. I'd like to see more creative expressions in cooking, and this recipe feels somewhat generic. As my mother used to say, 'Cuntada waa culus' - food is a serious matter. I'd give this recipe a solid 3 stars, but I hope to see more innovative and culturally relevant dishes in the future.