Roasted Curried Chicken with Couscous: Easy, Flavorful, Nutritious

Roasted Curried Chicken with Couscous is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the rich, aromatic spices of curry with the light, fluffy texture of couscous. This dish, inspired by both Indian and Mediterranean cuisines, offers a perfect balance of savory roasted chicken and delicately spiced couscous. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Curried Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Couscous:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Salt to taste

For the Curry Yogurt Sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Curried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
2. Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Couscous

1. Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken is roasting, prepare the couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the couscous, cover the pan, and remove it from heat. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff the Couscous: After 5 minutes, uncover the pan and fluff the couscous with a fork. If desired, stir in the raisins or dried cranberries and slivered almonds. Add the chopped parsley or cilantro and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 3: Make the Curry Yogurt Sauce

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Serve: On a large serving platter, spread the cooked couscous as the base. Arrange the sliced roasted curried chicken on top of the couscous. Drizzle the curry yogurt sauce over the chicken and couscous. Garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the rich flavors of the roasted curried chicken with the light, fluffy couscous. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations

• Kid-Friendly Couscous Recipe: For a more kid-friendly version, reduce the amount of spices in the chicken marinade and add some diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the couscous. This makes the dish more colorful and appealing to young eaters.
• Roasted Curried Chicken with Couscous Indian Style: For a more authentic Indian twist, add a teaspoon of garam masala to the chicken marinade and garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves and a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds.
• Chicken Couscous for Toddlers: If preparing this dish for toddlers, consider cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces before marinating and roasting. You can also cook the couscous with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a milder flavor.
• Curry Couscous Salad: Turn this dish into a refreshing salad by letting the chicken and couscous cool, then mixing them with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Toss with a light vinaigrette for a healthy, flavorful salad.
• Couscous with Chicken and Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes to the couscous for a more substantial meal. This also makes the dish more vibrant and nutritious.
• Couscous for Picky Eaters: If you’re serving picky eaters, consider serving the chicken and couscous separately, allowing them to mix and match the components they enjoy. You can also omit the raisins and almonds if they’re not to their taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Sugar: 8g

Roasted Curried Chicken with Couscous is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken couscous recipe to impress your guests or a kid-friendly meal that the whole family will love, this recipe has you covered. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and fluffy, spiced couscous is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to try the variations and tips to make this dish your own!

We hope you enjoy making and eating this Roasted Curried Chicken with Couscous as much as we do. If you give it a try, please share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious dishes on easycrispyrecipes.com. Happy cooking.