25 minutes
Savor the essence of North African cuisine with this one-pan wonder that combines succulent chicken, sweet apricots, and robust spices, all nestled in fluffy couscous.
tablespoons
Onion, small, thinly sliced
each
Chicken Breast, diced
0 oz
Fresh Root Ginger, grated
tablespoons
Harissa Paste
tablespoons
Dried Apricots, quartered
each
Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
0 oz
Couscous
0 oz
Chicken Stock, hot
0.25 fluid ounces
Fresh Coriander, chopped, for garnish
handful
1. Heat the Flavor
In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until just softened.
2. Add the Chicken
Increase the heat slightly and add the diced chicken to the pan. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the onions are golden.
3. Spice It Up
Grate the ginger directly over the chicken and onion mixture. Add the harissa paste, stirring to coat everything evenly, and cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine Delights
Scatter the apricots and chickpeas into the pan, then sprinkle the couscous on top. Pour the hot chicken stock over all the ingredients and stir once to combine.
5. Let It Rest
Cover the pan with a lid or seal tightly with foil. Leave it to rest for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the stock and is tender.
6. Fluff and Garnish
Gently fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle with the chopped coriander before serving. Offer additional harissa on the side for those who prefer an extra kick.
Always start with the freshest and highest quality ingredients you can find. Organic chicken, high-quality dried apricots, and a good brand of couscous will make a noticeable difference.
Toasting and grinding your own spices rather than using pre-ground can elevate the flavor. Consider making your own ras el hanout or ensure using a fresh, high-quality blend.
Take your time browning the chicken to develop deep flavors and a desirable texture through the Maillard reaction.
Sauté onions and garlic until golden and aromatic before adding spices, to allow each layer of flavor to develop properly.
Balance the inherent sweetness of apricots with elements of heat and savory in your spice blend. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or preserved lemon can provide balance.
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