Spiced Chicken & Herby Couscous
this one comes together super quick and is great for lunch or dinner during the week — honestly might be a new favorite 🌿✨ spiced chicken thighs, served over a herby couscous salad loaded with peas, green olives, parsley, and cilantro. Near East roasted garlic & olive oil couscous — the flavor is already built in and it takes 5 minutes. sometimes the easy way IS the best way 🫶
Ingredients
Chicken
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp lemon pepper
½ tsp cayenne
1 tbsp olive oil
Herby couscous salad
1 box of Near East Mix Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
½ cup castelvetrano olives, halved
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Serves 2
Prep time ~15 mins
Cook time ~25mins
Cooking Instructions
Season and cook the chicken
Pat chicken thighs completely dry. Season the chicken generously with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and cayenne.
Rub all over with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Air fry at 400 for 10 mins, flipping halfway, turn up to 450 for 15mins.
Make the couscous
Prepare Near East Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Couscous according to box directions.
While still warm, fluff couscous and toss with peas, green olives, shallot, green onion, cilantro, and parsley.
Spoon couscous into bowls and top with sliced chicken. Serve immediately.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon (optional)
Tips & Notes
One of my favorite weeknight shortcuts — Near East couscous 🔥
Fresh herbs are non-negotiable — feel free to add any other herbs to elevate the dish!
Great for meal prep — store chicken and couscous separately
A dollop of labneh or yogurt on the side takes it over the top - my next day go to is adding an herby yogurt sauce