I was going through my pantry recently looking for a little inspiration and found an opened box of couscous so decided to add a little chicken to it along with some toasted pine nuts. This is one easy recipe to make and is absolutely delicious!
While the process of cooking couscous is pretty straightforward, you need to follow the process exactly so you don’t end up with overcooked or undercooked couscous. Here are a couple of options but when in doubt, follow the directions on the box.
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How to Cook Couscous
You basically have 2 options when it comes to cooking your couscous: Stove Top and Microwave. Personally I prefer the Stovetop method but there’s nothing wrong with using your microwave.
Stovetop Method
In a large pot, bring 1 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 3 teaspoons of unsalted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Add 1 Cup of dry couscous to the boiling water. Cover and let sit for at least 5 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed into the couscous. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Microwave Method
In a microwave safe dish, combine 1 Cup of Water or Chicken Broth and 1 Cup of Dry Couscous. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined. Microwave on High for 3 1/2 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. Cook times may vary if using a low wattage microwave.
How to toast Pine Nuts
The simplest way to toast pine nuts is to add them to a small dry skillet (no oil) and over medium-low and cook them, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes. The pine nuts should be golden brown. Watch them carefully as they can easily burn.
I used some leftover rotisserie chicken I had in the fridge but if you don’t have any, you can make a couple of chicken breasts and chop them up for this couscous recipe.
If you do cook your own chicken just make sure the thickest part of the chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Chicken Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Couscous, Rotisserie Chicken, Pine Nuts, Pimientos, Feta Cheese, Frozen Peas, Dried Basil and Fresh Lemon Juice.
How to Make Chicken Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts
- Prepare the couscous according to the directions on the package, either on the stovetop or in the microwave (see notes). I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water.
- Place the cooked couscous in a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Add a little olive oil or butter and toss.
- Add the cooked chicken, pimientos, cheese, toasted pine nuts, peas, basil and lemon juice. Toss until all ingredients are well blended.
Chicken Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Couscous, uncooked
- 2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken, chopped
- ½ Cup Pine Nuts, toasted
- 4 oz Pimientos, drained & chopped
- ½ Cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- ½ Tbsp Dried Basil
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous according to the directions on the package, either on the stovetop or in the microwave. I recommend using low sodium chicken broth instead of water.
- Place the cooked couscous in a large bowl and fluff with a fork. Add a little olive oil or butter and toss.
- Add the cooked chicken, pimientos, cheese, toasted pine nuts, peas, basil and lemon juice. Toss until all ingredients are well blended.
Notes
This is delicious. I love pine nuts so this recipe is a bonus. I did not use rotisserie chicken, because I had left over chicken, and it was so delicious. A keeper.