I love pasta. I could eat it every day! But those of us who like skinny jeans know that a bowl of bow-ties won’t help when it comes time to zip up our pants! Couscous is my next favorite thing. It is a low-fat source of complex carbohydrates and is versatile and super easy to prepare. It works well as a side dish to meats but I like to make it the star of the meal.

This easy to make couscous dish is full of unexpected flavors and even some of your mandatory green veggies! I use a ready-made rotisserie chicken from the supermarket to cut back on time. But do take the time to toast the sliced almonds. Toasting them brings out their rich, nutty flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and toast for 4-5 minutes at 350 degrees until fragrant. It’s well worth the extra step! I like using a flavored couscous, especially the garlic and olive oil couscous. If you go this route, use the liquid measurements from the back of the box. The flavored couscous typically comes in a 5.8oz box.

Eat this dish hot for dinner with some crispy pita crisps and enjoy it for lunch the next day cold stuffed in a pita pocket.

Chicken and Broccoli Couscous

By Jenelle Seaton

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ready-made rotisserie chicken, torn into bite sized pieces

3 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 10 oz box couscous

1 onion, finely chopped

1 head broccoli, broken into small florets

½ cup raisins

¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broccoli and 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken, raisins, parsley, and couscous. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with almonds. Serve with crusty bread or sweet pita crisps.

Jenelle Seaton is an active duty Army Warrant Officer currently stationed in South Korea. She loves to cook and feed anyone who is hungry. She writes From Pantry to Plate cooking blog featuring easy meals and food from her travels. http://p2pkitchenstories.blogspot.com

Tags: 30 minute meal, chicken and broccoli, couscous, diet, family, health, home, quick meal