Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This hearty soup features tender chicken, fresh herbs, and pearl couscous swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s perfect for cozy evenings with family or as a meal prep option for busy weekdays. With its wholesome ingredients and satisfying taste, Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is sure to become a go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The combination of chicken, herbs, and pearl couscous creates a soothing experience that warms the soul.
• Easy to prepare: This soup requires minimal prep time and cooks effortlessly, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
• Versatile meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
• Great for leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
• Nutritious ingredients: Made with wholesome components, this soup is packed with nutrients and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the chicken and simmering the soup evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures quick and safe cutting of ingredients, saving you time during prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Water (enough to cover chicken)
• 1 small bunch of fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
• 4 celery stalks with leaves, trimmed and diced
• Your favorite seasoning salt (e.g., garlic pepper, lemon pepper, or herbes de Provence)

For the Couscous

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• ⅓ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For Flavoring

• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Dukkah, oyster crackers, or saltines for serving
• Extra virgin olive oil for garnish

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Make Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add enough water to cover the chicken thighs completely.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, carefully add the chicken thighs into the pot.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Reduce heat to low and add chopped onion, celery, parsley, olive oil, and seasoning salt into the pot.
2. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour.

Step 3: Cook the Couscous

1. After an hour of simmering, remove the chicken thighs from the pot.
2. Stir in pearl couscous into the broth; allow it to cook for about 10 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Combine Flavors

1. While couscous cooks, shred cooked chicken from bones using two forks.
2. Return shredded chicken back into the pot along with fresh dill and lemon juice.

Step 5: Season & Serve

1. Taste soup; adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Ladle into bowls; serve warm with dukkah or crackers on top.
3. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup!

How to Serve Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

Serving Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Dill or Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top for added freshness.
• Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor that complements the soup.

Accompany with Crunchy Toppings

• Dukkah: Serve with dukkah for a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s texture.
• Crackers: Pair with oyster crackers or saltines for extra crunch and satisfaction.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for an aromatic addition that enhances the meal.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

To make your Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh herbs and high-quality chicken for richer flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
• Simmer Gently: Maintain a gentle simmer to ensure tender chicken and well-cooked couscous without overcooking.
• Include Vegetables: Add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with pita chips or veggies adds a healthy, flavorful option.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice create a filling companion dish.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese pairs perfectly, adding comfort and familiarity.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies offers a nutritious contrast to the warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can detract from the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season the broth adequately. Always taste your broth and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
• Using low-quality chicken: Poor-quality chicken can result in a bland soup. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for rich flavor.
• Overcooking the couscous: Cooking pearl couscous too long will make it mushy. Follow cooking times closely to ensure it’s perfectly tender.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add depth to your soup. Avoid using dried herbs as substitutes; instead, chop fresh parsley and dill right before adding them.
• Inadequate simmer time: Rushing the simmering process can lead to underdeveloped flavors. Allow your soup to simmer for at least two hours to fully blend the tastes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer soup to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup that may help you in making this dish.

Can I use other types of meat in Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I enhance the flavor of Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup?

Adding more fresh herbs or spices like garlic pepper or lemon zest can elevate the flavors significantly.

Can I make Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve with Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup?

Consider pairing it with dukkah, oyster crackers, or saltines for added texture and flavor.

Is Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein from chicken, along with fiber from vegetables, making it a nutritious option.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Try this recipe today for a delicious meal that warms both body and soul!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup, a delightful dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or meal prepping for busy weekdays. This nourishing soup features tender chicken thighs, fresh herbs, and pearl couscous bathed in a rich, flavorful broth. Each spoonful offers comforting flavors that warm the soul and satisfy your hunger. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also stores well for leftovers, making it an ideal choice for families seeking nutritious meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this comforting classic time and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced
• Fresh parsley (for soup base and garnish)
• Fresh dill (for flavor and garnish)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Seasoning salt

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cover chicken with enough water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low; add diced onion, celery, parsley, olive oil, and seasoning salt. Simmer for about 1 hour.
3. Remove chicken; stir in pearl couscous into the broth and cook for 10 minutes until tender.
4. Shred the chicken from bones using two forks; return shredded chicken to the pot along with dill and lemon juice.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve warm with dukkah or crackers on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg