This Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous is a perfect combination of succulent chicken and fluffy couscous, infused with aromatic spices. The spices—cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric—bring a wonderful depth of flavor, while the tender chicken and couscous make it a comforting, filling meal.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken thighs cook beautifully in the rich broth, while the giant couscous absorbs all the wonderful flavors. This is the perfect dish to serve for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests at a dinner party. Top it off with some fresh parsley and toasted almonds for that extra crunch!
Full Recipe:
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1.5 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups giant couscous (also known as Israeli couscous)
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon toasted almonds, sliced (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and ground spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika).
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Add the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the giant couscous to the pot and toast it lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the couscous has absorbed the liquid.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
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Serve the chicken on top of the couscous, garnished with parsley, toasted almonds, and pomegranate seeds if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous: A Delightful Middle Eastern Feast
Introduction:
Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous is a dish that beautifully blends the aromatic spices of the Middle East with the hearty, comforting nature of a well-cooked chicken and grain. Originating from Syria, this dish brings together the deep flavors of cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a savory feast that will fill your home with mouth-watering fragrances. The golden, crispy-skinned chicken, seared to perfection and then cooked in a rich tomato broth, pairs wonderfully with the chewy and satisfying giant couscous (Moghrabieh). This recipe is perfect for those looking for a comforting, yet exotic dish that can be prepared with everyday ingredients and enjoyed by the whole family.
A Glimpse into Syrian Cuisine:
Syrian food is deeply influenced by both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. With its access to fresh produce and a history of trade, Syria’s dishes have a variety of influences from bordering countries, which makes Syrian cuisine incredibly rich and diverse. The warm, spicy flavors typical of Middle Eastern dishes are often paired with fresh herbs and simple, wholesome ingredients that result in flavors that are both bold and comforting.
One of the key ingredients in this dish is the giant couscous, known in some regions as Moghrabieh or Israeli couscous. Unlike its smaller cousin, regular couscous, this variation is much larger, rounder, and has a chewy texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Often served in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes, giant couscous acts as a base for soaking up flavorful broths and sauces, and in this recipe, it serves as the ideal partner to the spiced chicken.
The Perfect Chicken:
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the chicken, which is cooked with a blend of spices that include cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric. These spices give the chicken its fragrant, earthy flavors, while the skin becomes crisp and golden as it sears in the pan before being finished off in the oven. This method ensures the chicken retains its juiciness while developing a crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender couscous.
Unlike boneless, skinless cuts, using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs makes a world of difference. The bones add extra flavor to the dish, and the skin helps lock in moisture, resulting in juicy meat and a satisfying texture. The crispy skin adds that extra bit of indulgence, and while some may shy away from using skin-on chicken, it truly enhances the overall experience of this meal.
Spiced Tomato Broth:
The tomato broth in which the chicken is baked is where much of the flavor in this dish is derived. Made from sautéing onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, the base is both savory and aromatic. A splash of lemon juice provides a zesty, tangy balance to the rich, spiced tomato sauce. The addition of thyme, saffron, and cumin lends an extra layer of complexity to the broth, making each bite of chicken and couscous infused with a delightful depth of flavor.
The optional addition of currants or sultanas adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spices, offering an unexpected yet welcome contrast that is characteristic of many Middle Eastern dishes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a hallmark of Syrian cuisine, where dishes often marry these contrasting elements in a harmonious way.
Giant Couscous: The Ideal Base:
Giant couscous, also known as Moghrabieh or Israeli couscous, is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. Unlike traditional couscous, which is fine and fluffy, giant couscous is made from semolina or wheat flour and is larger, resembling small pearls or beads. Its texture is more substantial, making it an ideal base for rich sauces like the tomato broth in this recipe. As it cooks, the couscous soaks up the flavors from the broth and becomes tender yet slightly chewy, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.
If giant couscous is unavailable, substitutes like regular couscous, orzo, or even rice can be used, though they may lack the unique texture of the giant couscous. However, for an authentic experience, I highly recommend seeking out giant couscous, as it elevates the dish to another level and is a fun, unusual ingredient that will impress anyone you serve it to.
Making the Dish Your Own:
While the recipe is traditional, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. For example, the use of currants or sultanas is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet touch to the dish. Similarly, you can adjust the heat level of the dish by controlling the amount of chili you add to the sauce. The balance of spices can be tailored to your taste, and you could even add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the broth for extra color and texture.
In terms of serving, this dish is quite versatile. Although it is traditionally paired with giant couscous, it can also be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. For a different flavor profile, a dollop of tangy yogurt on top adds a creamy contrast to the spiced chicken and couscous, enhancing the dish’s richness.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also provides several health benefits. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein and iron, and the spices in the dish—especially cumin, coriander, and turmeric—are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, in particular, has been celebrated for its health benefits, including its ability to boost immunity and aid digestion. The addition of fresh herbs like mint and coriander also adds a refreshing, antioxidant-rich element to the dish.
Giant couscous, while hearty, is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. It provides an excellent base for this flavorful chicken dish while offering a slower, more sustained release of energy compared to more refined grains.
Conclusion:
Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the rich spices and comforting textures of Middle Eastern cuisine to your dinner table. From the tender, spiced chicken thighs with crispy skin to the hearty, chewy couscous, every bite of this dish is a delightful experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a satisfying meal with your family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Its simplicity in preparation and the use of easily accessible ingredients make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So, give this dish a try and transport your taste buds to Syria with every delicious bite.
This Syrian-inspired dish not only nourishes the body but also connects us to the rich history and culture of the region. Enjoy it as a reminder of the beauty of Syrian cuisine, and consider supporting causes that aim to help those affected by the ongoing crisis in the country.