Warm Apricot-Cumin Chicken Bowl with Pearl Couscous, Roasted Carrots and Lemon Yogurt
A complete and original lunch bowl featuring juicy chicken gently glazed with apricot and cumin, served over herbed pearl couscous with roasted carrots and a spoonful of lemon yogurt. It balances sweet, spiced, and fresh flavors in one bowl.
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken breast (cut in strips gruesas)
- 80 g dried apricots (chopped finely)
- 220 g pearl couscous (crudo)
- 400 g carrots (peladas and cut en bastones)
- 180 g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
- 500 ml chicken broth or water (for cocinar the cuscús and the sauce)
- 120 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 12 g garlic (chopped)
- 1 unit lemon (zest and 3 tbsp of juice en total)
- 20 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 8 g ground cumin
- 4 g sweet paprika
- 1 g ground cinnamon
- 21 g honey
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 14 g butter (for the cuscús)
- 30 g pumpkin seeds (tostadas)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
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
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place the carrots and red onion on a sheet pan, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half of the sweet paprika. Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and browned.
- 2
While the vegetables roast, mix the chicken with half of the ground cumin, the remaining sweet paprika, the ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add half of the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the pearl couscous and toast for 2 minutes. Add 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) chicken broth or water and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat, add half of the fresh parsley, and fluff.
- 4
For the sauce, place the chopped dried apricots in a small skillet with 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) chicken broth or water, the honey, the remaining ground cumin, and the rest of the minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the apricots soften and a thick sauce forms.
- 5
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F. Transfer the chicken to the apricot sauce skillet and toss for 1 minute to glaze well.
- 6
In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- 7
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant.
- 8
To serve, divide the pearl couscous among 4 bowls. Top with the roasted carrots and red onion, then the glazed chicken with its sauce. Add dollops of lemon yogurt, sprinkle with the remaining fresh parsley, and finish with the toasted pumpkin seeds.
Chef tips
For a more caramelized finish, let the apricot sauce reduce 1 extra minute before glazing the chicken. The pearl couscous should be tender and loose, not dry; add 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of broth if needed.
Substitutions
You can swap the pearl couscous for quinoa for a gluten-free version, using a similar cooked volume. Greek yogurt can be replaced with lactose-free yogurt or a thick plant-based alternative, though the flavor will change slightly. Pumpkin seeds can be replaced with sunflower seeds.
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 imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-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
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