One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Couscous

This One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Couscous features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. Served with fluffy couscous that soaks up all the savory pan juices, this Mediterranean-inspired dish offers a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just one skillet.

Save to Pins

The magic of this recipe lies in the way the couscous is cooked directly in the pan with the seared chicken. As it steams, the couscous absorbs the chicken broth, garlic butter, and the natural juices from the bursting cherry tomatoes, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Garlic Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Couscous: 1 1/2 cups couscous, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, Zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons olive oil

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dust with flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2

In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 3

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5

Stir in the couscous, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the couscous.

Step 6

Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.

Step 8

Fluff the couscous with a fork, slice the chicken if desired, and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best results, use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid to properly steam the couscous. Don't skip the step of scraping the pan after adding the broth, as those browned bits hold the concentrated flavor from the seared chicken.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a juicier alternative, substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breasts. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy extra heat. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the dish generously with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Fluffing the couscous with a fork helps maintain its light texture, and slicing the chicken before plating makes for a beautiful presentation.

Save to Pins

Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy Mediterranean meal, this One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Couscous delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy this easy, nut-free main dish as a satisfying and complete meal.

Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.

Check price on Amazon

Questions & Answers

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to be juicier. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The couscous may become slightly mushy after freezing. For best results, store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with chickpeas and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add the chickpeas during step 5 when you add the couscous.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or olives work well. Add hearty vegetables like peppers with the tomatoes, and stir in spinach just before serving.

→ Can I use instant couscous?

Instant couscous works fine but may require slightly less broth and cooking time. Check the package instructions and adjust liquid accordingly.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don't overcook the chicken during the initial sear. The second cooking phase with the lid on steams the chicken, keeping it moist and tender.