Description
Ready in under an hour, this Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is your answer to a wholesome and hearty one-pot meal. Packed with juicy shredded chicken, tender pearl couscous, and vibrant herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for quick dinner ideas, cozy food nights, or healthy meal prep. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner inspiration or nourishing lunch food ideas, this easy recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
2 pieces chicken breast or thighs
3/4 cup Israeli pearl couscous
2 medium carrots
2 ribs celery
1 small onion
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cups chicken broth or stock
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh dill
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the pearl couscous and cook for 10 minutes, or until couscous is tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice if using, and stir in fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
For faster prep, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
You can cook the couscous separately and add before serving to avoid mushiness.
Add extra broth when reheating as the couscous will continue to absorb liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken soup, couscous soup, easy dinner, comfort food