Spiced chicken thighs with couscous

Discover the delightful flavors of Spiced Chicken Thighs with Yellow Couscous in this easy-to-follow recipe. Featuring succulent chicken thighs seasoned with cumin, coriander, and paprika, perfectly paired with fluffy couscous mixed with raisins, chickpeas, and a hint of turmeric. Top it all off with crunchy almonds and fresh arugula, and enjoy a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Ready in just under an hour, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

15 Jan 2026
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

4 chicken thighs
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
1 tsp paprika
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups chicken gravy
2 cups couscous
1/3 cup raisins
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/3 can canned chickpeas
1/2 cup almonds
2 cups arugula
2 tbsp lemon juice
Spiced chicken thighs with couscous

Spiced chicken thighs with yellow couscous is a flavorful and vibrant dish, combining the aromatic spices of cumin, coriander, and paprika with tender chicken thighs. This recipe also features a colorful and nutrient-rich couscous, packed with raisins, chickpeas, almonds, and a hint of turmeric. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Instructions:

1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, dried coriander, paprika, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to form a paste.
- Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they're well-coated.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
2. Prepare the Couscous:
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the chicken gravy to a boil.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and raisins.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous, making sure it's evenly moistened.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid.
- Once the couscous has absorbed all the liquid, fluff it gently with a fork.
- Add the drained chickpeas, toasted almonds, arugula, and lemon juice to the couscous. Stir to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Serve:
- Divide the yellow couscous mixture among four plates.
- Place a spiced chicken thigh on top of each portion of couscous.
- Optionally, garnish with additional lemon wedges and some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added color and flavor.
4. Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the flavorful blend of spiced chicken thighs and vibrant yellow couscous!

Tips:

- Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the spices infuse the meat deeply.

- Toast the almonds lightly before adding to the couscous for a richer, nutty flavor.

- To ensure evenly cooked chicken, make sure to turn the thighs occasionally while cooking.

- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken thighs with tofu or more chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken gravy.

- Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving to keep it light and airy.

Spiced chicken thighs with yellow couscous is a wonderful blend of spices, textures, and flavors that will leave your taste buds delighted. With its vibrant colors and aromatic ingredients, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a hearty meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone's palate. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the wholesome goodness of this delightful dish.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 610kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 60g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 13g
Fat 36g

More recipes

Lemon herb chicken with olive oil and fresh parsley

Perfectly seasoned with a dash of salt and black pepper, this delightful dish offers a light and aromatic meal that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.

17 May 2025

Oven-roasted tomatoes with wild herb salt

Perfect for any dish.

12 Apr 2025

Chicken stir-fry with cashews, chilli and broccoli

Perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner.

14 Apr 2025

Caramelized onion risotto with zucchini

Ideal for a cozy dinner or an elegant feast.

06 Jun 2025

Rosemary and garlic lamb with chargrilled vegetable salad

Perfect for elevating any dinner occasion.

01 Mar 2025

Teriyaki beef skewers with snow pea salad

Perfect for an easy yet impressive homemade dinner.

13 Apr 2025

Pea and tomato frittata

Ideal for brunch or a delightful lunch option.

03 May 2025

Lamb kofta

Prepared with a touch of olive oil, this dish is perfect for an easy dinner or an impressive gathering.

16 Jul 2025

Posts