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Jewelled Giant Couscous with Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 250 reviews

This Jewelled Giant Couscous with Grilled Chicken Skewers is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish. The giant couscous is mixed with fresh vegetables, pomegranate seeds, and fresh herbs, tossed in a zesty dressing, and paired perfectly with tender chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy blend, then grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Couscous Salad

  • 200 g | 7 oz cherry tomatoes (quartered)
  • 85 g | 3 oz giant couscous
  • 1 orange bell pepper (finely diced)
  • half red onion (peeled and finely chopped)
  • seeds from 1/2 large pomegranate
  • 2 large handfuls fresh spinach (finely chopped)
  • 10 fresh basil leaves (roughly torn)
  • 1 tbsp virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove (minced)
  • pinch ground allspice
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Chicken Skewers

  • 2 large skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 2 tbsp date nectar (or runny honey)
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove (minced)
  • a little rapeseed (canola) oil to wipe grill rack
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 6 wooden skewers (soaked in cold water if wooden)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: If using wooden skewers, soak 6 of them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with date nectar, soy sauce, pomegranate molasses, and minced garlic. Season well with salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly and leave to marinate while you prepare the couscous salad.
  2. Cook the Couscous: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the giant couscous for 8-10 minutes until al dente, or follow the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water, drain well, and set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Salad Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, diced orange bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, chopped spinach, and roughly torn basil leaves.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic clove, and pomegranate molasses until well combined. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Assemble the Couscous Salad: Stir the cooled couscous into the dressed vegetables. Sprinkle a pinch of ground allspice, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside. The salad can be made 1-2 hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers.
  7. Grill the Chicken Skewers: Lightly wipe the grill rack with rapeseed (canola) oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  8. Make the Glaze: While the chicken cooks, pour any leftover marinade juices into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for a few minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
  9. Glaze and Serve: Brush the sticky glaze over the grilled chicken skewers just before serving to add shine and an extra burst of flavor. Serve the skewers alongside the jewelled giant couscous salad for a colorful and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • The couscous salad can be made in advance and chilled to enhance flavors.
  • If you don’t have date nectar, runny honey is a perfect substitute for the marinade’s sweetness.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Leftover glaze can be saved for brushing on other grilled meats or vegetables.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute giant couscous with gluten-free grain like quinoa or millet.

Keywords: giant couscous recipe, grilled chicken skewers, pomegranate chicken, Mediterranean salad, healthy grilled chicken, couscous salad with vegetables

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/jewelled-giant-couscous-with-grilled-chicken-skewers-recipe/