How to Make the Perfect Couscous Royale
North African · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This North African couscous dish is topped with tender vegetables and mild chicken making it a colorful and nutritious kid friendly meal that looks as good as it tastes. It is one of the easiest African recipes to prepare and children love the fluffy grain topped with savory stew.
Why this recipe works
This Couscous Royale recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 410 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups instant couscous
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast cubed
- 2 whole carrots sliced
- 1 whole zucchini sliced
- 1 can chickpeas drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Stew
In a large pot heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add chicken and brown for 5 minutes then add carrots zucchini chickpeas coriander and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Simmer the Vegetables
Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Couscous
Place instant couscous in a bowl and pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Cover with a plate and let it steam for 5 minutes then fluff gently with a fork.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Pile fluffy couscous onto a large platter and ladle the vegetable chicken stew over the top. Serve immediately for a beautiful and kid friendly North African feast.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- instant couscous → white rice or orzo pasta for a familiar kid friendly alternative
- ground coriander → mild paprika for a simpler flavor profile young kids prefer
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not covering the couscous while steaming which results in dry uneven grains
- Overcooking the vegetables until mushy instead of leaving them slightly tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 410 calories, 28g protein, 52g carbs, 10g fat, 5g fiber.
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