Smoky Apricot Chicken Bowl with Parsley Couscous, Golden Zucchini and Creamy Tahini Sauce
🍽️ Lunches
Intermediate

Smoky Apricot Chicken Bowl with Parsley Couscous, Golden Zucchini and Creamy Tahini Sauce

A complete and original lunch bowl featuring chicken glazed with apricot and smoked paprika, served over fluffy parsley couscous with golden zucchini and a smooth lemon tahini sauce.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g Chicken breast, cubed (skinless)
  • 180 g Couscous (dry)
  • 240 ml Chicken broth or water (hot for hidratar the cuscús)
  • 300 g Zucchini, half moons (approx. 2 medium)
  • 80 g Dried apricots, chopped (for the glaseado)
  • 60 g Tahini (for the sauce)
  • 120 g Plain yogurt (for the sauce)
  • 20 g Fresh parsley, chopped (divided)
  • 100 g Red onion, thinly sliced (divided)
  • 45 ml Lemon juice (divided)
  • 45 ml Olive oil (divided)
  • 4 g Smoked paprika (divided)
  • 2 g Ground cumin
  • 21 g Honey
  • 6 g Garlic, grated (divided)
  • 9 g Toasted sesame seeds (for terminar)
  • 6 g Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g Black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

545 kcal
Calories
38 g
Protein
39 g
Carbs
26 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
35 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairySesame

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, the cumin, half of the grated garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. Place the chopped dried apricots in a cup or small bowl and cover with 60 ml hot water. Let them soften for 5 minutes, then mix with the honey, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to make a rustic glaze.

  3. 3

    3. In a saucepan, pour the hot chicken broth or water over the couscous with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cover, turn off the heat, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and mix in half of the chopped parsley.

  4. 4

    4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and cook the zucchini with half of the red onion for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden and tender. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove and set aside.

  5. 5

    5. In the same skillet, cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until fully cooked and it reaches 165°F/74°C at the thickest part.

  6. 6

    6. Lower the heat to medium, add the apricot glaze to the skillet with the chicken, and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring, until the chicken looks glossy and lightly sticky.

  7. 7

    7. In a small bowl, mix the tahini, plain yogurt, remaining lemon juice, remaining grated garlic, 1 to 2 tablespoons water if needed, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

  8. 8

    8. Toss the remaining red onion with the rest of the parsley and a pinch of salt to make a fresh topping.

  9. 9

    9. To serve, divide the couscous among 4 bowls. Top with the golden zucchini, smoky apricot chicken, and creamy tahini sauce. Finish with the onion-parsley topping and toasted sesame seeds.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for up to 30 minutes. Brown the zucchini without stirring too often so it develops color instead of releasing too much moisture.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for cubed turkey. The couscous can be replaced with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free version. If you do not want to use yogurt, replace it with more tahini and a little extra water.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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