Juicy Lemon Chicken and Couscous
Delicious Juicy Lemon Chicken and Couscous recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 5 servings
Calories 695 kcal
For the chicken
- 2.5 lb chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on for better texture and moisture
- salt
- pepper
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano I use McCormick Mediterranean Oregano
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated for best aroma
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the couscous
- 2 tablespoon butter I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this
- 1 shallot
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1.5 cups couscous I prefer Bob's Red Mill Pearl Couscous
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2.25 cups chicken stock I use Swanson unsalted to control the salt
- 1 lemon juiced and strained to remove seeds
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh herbs
Cooking Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and 2 teaspoon of lemon zest to create your spice blend. Season both sides of the chicken generously with this mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced shallot and garlic, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add couscous and the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until nutty and golden.
Pour chicken stock into the skillet with couscous, stirring gently to combine. Add fresh lemon juice and nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover and braise for about 15 minutes until cooked through and flavors meld.
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 2-3 minutes. Fluff the couscous gently with a fork. Transfer to a serving dish, arrange chicken thighs on top, and garnish with fresh parsley and herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 695kcal
Keyword chicken recipe, comfort food, Couscous, easy recipe, Healthy Dinner, Juicy Lemon Chicken