Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices. One dish that encapsulates this beautifully is the Moroccan Chicken and Couscous Casserole. This hearty and healthy meal combines tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and a medley of vegetables and spices to create a dish that's both satisfying and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this savory casserole:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice mix (or a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Moroccan Chicken and Couscous Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season generously with Moroccan spice mix, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken chunks to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is just browned on all sides.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Chickpeas
Stir in the canned tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, and chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Combine with Couscous
Place the uncooked couscous evenly at the bottom of a large baking dish. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the couscous, ensuring all the couscous is submerged in the liquid.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the foil and fluff the couscous with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or extra chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots for more texture and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spice mix based on your heat preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it extra spicy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Conclusion
This Moroccan Chicken and Couscous Casserole is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. It's not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare. Give it a try and experience a taste of Morocco in your own kitchen!
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