Express spiced carrot couscous with golden chicken, herbed yogurt and pistachios
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Express spiced carrot couscous with golden chicken, herbed yogurt and pistachios

A quick and original dish of fluffy couscous tossed with grated carrot and warm spices, topped with golden pan-seared chicken, fresh herbed yogurt, and crunchy pistachios. Ideal for a complete meal in under 30 minutes.

12 minPrep
15 minCook
27 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 180 g dry couscous (of grano medio)
  • 240 ml hot water (casi hirviendo)
  • 150 g grated carrot (grated grueso)
  • 450 g chicken breast strips (skinless)
  • 160 g plain Greek yogurt (whole or semidesnatado)
  • 40 g toasted pistachios (chopped gruesos)
  • 80 g red onion (chopped fina)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 5 g fresh mint (chopped)
  • 4 g ground cumin
  • 3 g sweet paprika
  • 1 g ground cinnamon
  • 6 g salt (or to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (or to taste)

Nutrition facts

per serving

478 kcal
Calories
34 g
Protein
33 g
Carbs
22 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
29 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

GlutenDairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Place the dry couscous in a heatproof bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Pour in the hot water, stir once, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. While the couscous rests, mix the Greek yogurt in another bowl with the parsley, mint, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper. Set aside chilled or at room temperature.

  3. 3

    3. Season the chicken breast strips with the remaining cumin, sweet paprika, cinnamon, the rest of the salt, and black pepper.

  4. 4

    4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the red onion for 2 minutes, until slightly softened.

  5. 5

    5. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. The thickest part should reach 165°F and 74°C.

  6. 6

    6. Add the grated carrot to the chicken and sauté for 2 minutes so it softens slightly while keeping some texture. Add the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice and stir well.

  7. 7

    7. Fluff the couscous with a fork and combine it with the skillet mixture so the carrot, onion, and chicken juices are evenly distributed.

  8. 8

    8. Serve immediately with spoonfuls of the herbed yogurt on top and finish with the chopped toasted pistachios.

Chef tips

For a fluffier texture, avoid over-stirring the couscous while it rests. Lightly toast the pistachios in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen their flavor.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for turkey strips. Parsley can be replaced with cilantro, and pistachios with almonds if preferred. If using regular plain yogurt, the sauce will be slightly looser.

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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