🇲🇦 Morocco · Food

Vegetable Chicken Couscous

60 min
A great way to spend your free time
🔥 380 kcal
Nicely balanced
🍽 4 servings
Great for the family

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Vegetable Chicken Couscous🇲🇦 MAJon Lean · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A staple Moroccan meal featuring fluffy semolina grains topped with tender chicken and a colorful medley of root vegetables.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a large couscoussier or heavy pot, brown 500g of chicken breast in 50ml of olive oil over medium heat.

  • 2

    Add the sliced carrots, 1 tsp of turmeric, and 1.5 tsp of salt, sautéing for 5 minutes to release the spice aromas.

  • 3

    Pour in 1 liter of water and add the chickpeas, bringing to a boil before lowering to a simmer for 30 minutes.

  • 4

    Place the 500g of semolina in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp of oil and a little water, rubbing the grains between your palms to ensure they don't clump.

  • 5

    Add the zucchini to the chicken and vegetable broth, then place the semolina in the steamer basket atop the pot.

  • 6

    Steam the couscous for 20 minutes, then remove it, fluff with a fork, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

  • 7

    Check the chicken and vegetables for tenderness; they should be cooked through and easily pierced by a fork.

  • 8

    Spread the couscous on a large platter, arrange the chicken in the center, and decorate with the vegetables and chickpeas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pre-steamed couscous okay?+

Yes, standard boxed couscous is acceptable, but steaming it manually over the broth yields significantly better flavor and fluffiness.

Can I use different vegetables?+

Absolutely, turnips, pumpkin, or cabbage are traditional additions that pair beautifully with the chicken broth.

What is the secret to fluffy grains?+

The secret is to rub the grains with a little oil and water before steaming and to fluff them with a fork—never a spoon—during the process.

How do I know when the couscous is cooked?+

The grains should be light, airy, and soft to the bite, not gummy or gritty.

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