Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Dinner
- How This One-Pot Chicken Couscous Came to Be
- Secrets to a Perfectly Fluffy Couscous
- Simple Swaps and Flavor Boosters
- Serving Suggestions for Busy Nights
- Healthy Comfort in Every Bite
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This easy chicken dinner is a quick, wholesome, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights. With tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and fresh veggies, it’s a one-pan wonder that saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s an ideal choice for families looking for simple, healthy, and delicious comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Dinner
There’s something magical about cooking a full meal in one skillet. This easy chicken dinner brings together juicy chicken, bright vegetables, and soft, lemony couscous into a flavorful dish that feels like a cozy hug after a long day. At Betty Cooks, I love creating recipes that make dinner both delicious and stress-free.
How This One-Pot Chicken Couscous Came to Be
I wanted to make a recipe that’s light, hearty, and perfectly balanced — and this one-pan chicken couscous delivers. It combines everything I adore about Mediterranean-inspired comfort: zesty lemon, tender chicken, and nutritious grains. This dish shows that healthy dinner ideas don’t have to be complicated or bland.
Secrets to a Perfectly Fluffy Couscous
The secret to getting perfectly fluffy couscous in your easy chicken dinner is patience — let the couscous steam gently after cooking. Using good-quality broth enhances the flavor and creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish irresistible. A touch of lemon adds brightness, making every bite burst with life.
Simple Swaps and Flavor Boosters
This recipe is endlessly flexible. You can replace couscous with quinoa or bulgur for a wholesome twist, or swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian variation. I often stir in roasted garlic or a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra flavor boost. This easy chicken dinner recipe is all about keeping things fun and effortless in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions for Busy Nights
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted sweet potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this one-pan meal makes dinner feel special with minimal cleanup. It’s one of those quick chicken fix recipes that feels fancy without the fuss.
Healthy Comfort in Every Bite
Every forkful of this easy chicken dinner offers a comforting blend of flavors — savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s rich in protein, light on calories, and loaded with veggies, making it a guilt-free favorite at Betty Cooks. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a last-minute dinner, this recipe delivers warmth and nourishment with every bite.
Notes & Tips
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth to bring back the couscous’s soft texture. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This one-pan chicken couscous is freezer-friendly too — perfect for those nights when you crave a homemade meal without the effort.
Easy Chicken Couscous Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Israeli couscous (or pearl couscous)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Stir in zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the couscous and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley if desired before serving.
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