Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm yet vibrant. The aroma of spices filled my kitchen, transporting me to the bustling markets of Morocco. I was mesmerized by how simple ingredients could create such a flavorful experience. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and refreshing salad leaves topped with pomegranate arils made it an instant favorite. This dish embraces a blend of textures and tastes that is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when hosting friends. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the colors are just as vibrant as the flavors. As I tossed everything together, I couldn’t help but feel excited about sharing this Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl

The ingredients in this Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl come together beautifully. Each element serves a purpose, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the dish. The key players are the Moroccan Spice Blend that gives the chicken its distinctive flavor, and the couscous, which serves as the perfect base to absorb the rich spices and juices. Together, they create a harmonious balance of taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• 2 chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 2 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend: A key ingredient that infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors.
• 3 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps with cooking.
• 3 crushed garlic cloves: Provides an aromatic depth to the dish.
• 1 ½ cup chicken stock: Keeps the couscous moist and flavorful.
• 1 ¼ cup dried couscous: The base of the salad, light and fluffy when cooked.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and a beautiful color.
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander: Offers a citrusy flavor that brightens the dish.
• 1 cup pomegranate arils: For a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 cups baby salad leaves: For freshness and crunch.
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch.
• ⅓ cup feta cheese: Creamy and salty, enhancing the flavors of the salad.
• handful fresh cilantro: Freshens up the dish.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle to finish it off.

Instructions for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl

Making the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll see how each step contributes to building layers of flavor. Just follow these instructions carefully and you’ll have a beautiful dish to serve.

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts into a large zip lock bag. Using a smooth meat mallet or a heavy wooden spoon, gently bash the chicken until it reaches an even thickness of about ½ inch all over. This helps it cook evenly.
2. Add salt, paprika, ground coriander, and any other spices you enjoy into the same zip lock bag. Shake the bag to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Next, pour in olive oil and add the crushed garlic cloves. Squish the bag to mix everything well, ensuring that all sides of the chicken are coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing flavor.
4. While the chicken marinates, bring chicken stock to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, stir in paprika and ground coriander, followed by the dried couscous.
5. Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the flavors.
6. After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and use a fork to fluff the couscous. This will help separate the grains and ensure a light texture.
7. Transfer the fluffed couscous to a serving bowl. Layer it with pomegranate arils, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, baby salad leaves, and fresh cilantro. You can either mix these ingredients through or arrange them on top for a stunning presentation.
8. Preheat a heavy-based fry pan over medium-high heat, adding a splash of olive oil once hot. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden brown color.
9. Once cooked, slice the chicken across the grain and arrange it over your vibrant salad bowl. Drizzle everything with a little more extra virgin olive oil for an added layer of richness.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl!

Making Adjustments

Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe or need tips for serving, here are some valuable insights on how to adapt your Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple yogurt sauce to balance the spices.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the Moroccan Spice Blend according to your preference.
• Variations: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added freshness and crunch.

Pairing Suggestions for Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl

When it comes to serving the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl, there are plenty of delicious options to consider.

• Side Dishes: Pair with a light soup, such as a lemony lentil soup, for a full meal. The soup will complement the bright flavors of the salad.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for both casual lunches and festive dinners. It can also be a great option for gatherings like Ramadan feasts or summer barbecues.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator and consume them within three days. The flavors will intensify over time.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the fall, some roasted squash on the side would pair beautifully with the warm spices of the dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the flavors of Morocco right to your table. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the wonderful blend of spices and textures. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients and let the aroma take you on a journey!

Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl

The ultimate comfort food with a twist! This Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl combines tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and vibrant flavors, making it an easy weeknight dinner that impresses. Perfect for any occasion, you won't want to miss making this delicious dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Blender
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Large Pot
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend
• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 crushed garlic cloves
• 1.5 cup chicken stock
• 1.25 cup dried couscous
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 2 cup baby salad leaves
• 0.25 cup toasted walnuts
• 0.33 cup feta cheese
• 1 handful fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

 

• Start by placing the chicken breasts into a large zip lock bag. Using a smooth meat mallet or a heavy wooden spoon, gently bash the chicken until it reaches an even thickness of about ½ inch all over. This helps it cook evenly.
• Add salt, paprika, ground coriander, and any other spices you enjoy into the same zip lock bag. Shake the bag to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
• Next, pour in olive oil and add the crushed garlic cloves. Squish the bag to mix everything well, ensuring that all sides of the chicken are coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing flavor.
• While the chicken marinates, bring chicken stock to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, stir in paprika and ground coriander, followed by the dried couscous.
• Remove the pot from heat, cover it, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the flavors.
• After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and use a fork to fluff the couscous. This will help separate the grains and ensure a light texture.
• Transfer the fluffed couscous to a serving bowl. Layer it with pomegranate arils, crumbled feta cheese, toasted walnuts, baby salad leaves, and fresh cilantro. You can either mix these ingredients through or arrange them on top for a stunning presentation.
• Preheat a heavy-based fry pan over medium-high heat, adding a splash of olive oil once hot. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until it's cooked through and has a nice golden brown color.
• Once cooked, slice the chicken across the grain and arrange it over your vibrant salad bowl. Drizzle everything with a little more extra virgin olive oil for an added layer of richness.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Moroccan Spiced Chicken Couscous Salad Bowl!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple yogurt sauce to balance the spices.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the Moroccan Spice Blend according to your preference.
• Variations: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added freshness and crunch.

Keyword couscous salad bowl, easy Moroccan recipes, Moroccan Chicken Recipe, spiced chicken salad

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.