These 14 Chicken Couscous Recipes Make Perfect Dinner Pairs

Chicken and couscous create one of the most satisfying dinner combinations you’ll ever try. These fluffy grains soak up every drop of flavorful sauce while tender chicken provides the perfect protein.

From Mediterranean bowls to Moroccan tagines, these recipes transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality meals that’ll have your family asking for seconds every single time.

01. North African Spiced Chicken Stew

This aromatic spiced chicken and lamb stew with chickpeas creates an authentic North African feast. The fragrant spices and tender vegetables make every bite absolutely incredible.

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, 1 lb lamb shoulder cubed, 1 can chickpeas, 2 carrots sliced, 2 zucchini chopped, 1 onion diced, 3 tomatoes chopped, 2 tsp ras el hanout, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 cups chicken broth, 1½ cups couscous, salt and pepper.

How To Make North African Spiced Chicken Stew

1. Season chicken thighs and lamb cubes generously with salt, pepper, and half the ras el hanout. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides until deeply golden, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ras el hanout and cinnamon, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Return meat to pot along with tomatoes, carrots, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes until meat is tender.

4. Add chickpeas and zucchini, cooking another 15 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions and serve the stew over fluffy mounds of couscous.

02. Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken couscous soup bursts with bright Greek flavors and creamy feta. Using rotisserie chicken makes this weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients: 3 cups rotisserie chicken shredded, 6 cups chicken broth, 1 cup pearl couscous, ½ cup olive oil, 2 lemons juiced, 1 cup feta cheese crumbled, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 onion diced, 2 celery stalks chopped, fresh dill, salt and pepper.

How To Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute.

2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil. Add pearl couscous and cook according to package directions until tender and plump, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded chicken, heating through for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped dill.

4. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese. The creamy cheese melts slightly into the warm broth, creating the most delicious Mediterranean comfort food experience.

03. Fresh Herb Chicken Couscous Salad

This refreshing chicken couscous salad combines crunchy vegetables with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings, this colorful dish feeds a crowd beautifully.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken diced, 1½ cups couscous, 1 cucumber diced, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced, 1 cup feta cheese crumbled, ½ cup fresh parsley chopped, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary minced, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 lemons juiced.

How To Make Fresh Herb Chicken Couscous Salad

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions, then fluff with a fork and let cool completely to room temperature. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy and maintains perfect texture.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled couscous with diced chicken, cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, and sliced olives. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout.

3. Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat every ingredient.

4. Add fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, folding gently to maintain the cheese’s chunky texture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice or salt as needed. This salad tastes even better the next day as all the Mediterranean flavors continue developing.

04. Moroccan Slow Cooker Chicken

This easy slow cooker version of traditional Moroccan chicken tagine develops incredible depth of flavor. The tender chicken falls off the bone while aromatic spices create pure magic.

Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces, 1 onion sliced, 1 cup dried apricots, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ cup chicken broth, 1½ cups couscous, 2 tbsp honey, ½ cup almonds sliced.

How To Make Moroccan Slow Cooker Chicken

1. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then place in your slow cooker along with sliced onions and dried apricots for natural sweetness.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, chicken broth, honey, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric until spices are completely dissolved and mixture is smooth.

3. Pour spice mixture over chicken in slow cooker, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds.

4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare couscous according to package directions. Serve the fragrant chicken over fluffy couscous and garnish with toasted sliced almonds for perfect crunch.

05. Express Chicken Couscous Bowl

This quick chicken couscous bowl comes together in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something healthy and satisfying fast.

Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts diced, 1 cup couscous, 1 bell pepper chopped, 1 zucchini diced, ½ red onion sliced, ¾ cup feta cheese crumbled, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 lemon juiced, 2 tsp oregano.

How To Make Express Chicken Couscous Bowl

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook vegetables until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and divide among serving bowls as your base layer.

4. Season chicken and vegetables with oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Spoon mixture over couscous and top each bowl with generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

06. Southwest Chicken Couscous Salad

This vibrant chicken salad combines couscous with corn and black beans for southwestern flair. The balsamic vinaigrette adds just the right touch of sweet and tangy flavor.

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, 1½ cups couscous, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can black beans drained, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cumin, ½ cup cilantro chopped.

How To Make Southwest Chicken Couscous Salad

1. Cook couscous according to package directions, then spread on a baking sheet to cool quickly and prevent clumping. This step ensures perfectly fluffy grains in your finished salad.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous with shredded chicken, diced bell pepper, corn kernels, and drained black beans. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.

3. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth. The honey balances the acidity beautifully while cumin adds warm southwestern flavor.

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to coat every ingredient. Add fresh cilantro and mix gently, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together perfectly before serving.

07. Asian Chili Lime Chicken with Herb Couscous

This fusion dinner features sticky sweet chili chicken served over fragrant cilantro couscous. The combination of Asian flavors with Middle Eastern grains creates something truly special.

Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 limes juiced, 1½ cups couscous, ½ cup cilantro chopped, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 tsp ginger grated, 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

How To Make Asian Chili Lime Chicken with Herb Couscous

1. In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. This creates the perfect sticky glaze for your chicken.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook skin-side down for 6 minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Flip chicken and brush with half the chili lime sauce. Continue cooking 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with remaining sauce every few minutes.

4. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions and stir in fresh cilantro. Serve the glossy, caramelized chicken over cilantro couscous with lime wedges for extra zing.

08. One-Pot Moroccan Pressure Cooker Chicken

This Instant Pot Moroccan chicken with chickpeas and Israeli couscous delivers incredible flavor in one pot. Toasted almonds add the perfect crunchy contrast to tender ingredients.

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, 1 cup Israeli couscous, 1 can chickpeas, 1 onion diced, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ cup dried apricots, ½ cup almonds sliced, 2 tbsp olive oil.

How To Make One-Pot Moroccan Pressure Cooker Chicken

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Season chicken thighs and brown on both sides until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Add Israeli couscous, chicken broth, chickpeas, and dried apricots. Nestle browned chicken thighs on top, then secure lid and pressure cook high for 12 minutes.

4. Quick release pressure and let stand 5 minutes. The couscous should be perfectly tender and have absorbed all the aromatic flavors. Serve garnished with toasted sliced almonds for delightful crunch.

09. Classic Moroccan Chicken with Vegetables

This simplified version of traditional Moroccan couscous features a whole spiced chicken with tender vegetables. It’s the ultimate cold weather comfort food for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken cut up, 2 carrots chunked, 2 zucchini sliced, 1 onion quartered, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1½ cups couscous, 2 tsp ras el hanout, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ginger, 3 tbsp olive oil.

How To Make Classic Moroccan Chicken with Vegetables

1. Rub chicken pieces with olive oil, then season generously with ras el hanout, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes to develop deep flavors.

2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown chicken pieces on all sides until golden, about 10 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Add onion, carrots, and diced tomatoes to the same pot. Cook vegetables for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

4. Return chicken to pot and add chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.

5. Add zucchini and cook another 15 minutes until all vegetables are fork-tender. Prepare couscous separately and serve the fragrant chicken stew ladled over fluffy couscous with plenty of the aromatic cooking broth.

10. Ginger Curry Chicken with Couscous

This fragrant ginger chicken stew with curry undertones creates the perfect comfort meal. Spooned over fluffy couscous, it delivers warmth and satisfaction in every single bite.

Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, 1½ cups couscous, 1 onion diced, 2 tbsp fresh ginger minced, 2 tsp curry powder, 1 can coconut milk, 1 bell pepper sliced, 1 jalapeño minced, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

How To Make Ginger Curry Chicken with Couscous

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes total.

2. Remove chicken and add diced onion to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in minced ginger and curry powder until fragrant.

3. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to pot along with bell pepper and jalapeño, then simmer covered for 25 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions. The chicken should be fall-apart tender when done. Serve the aromatic curry chicken over fluffy couscous, making sure to spoon plenty of the rich sauce over everything.

11. Walnut Arugula Chicken Couscous

This elegant chicken couscous dish combines peppery arugula with toasted walnuts and Parmesan. The mushrooms add earthiness while creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1½ cups couscous, 4 cups arugula, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, ½ cup walnuts chopped, ½ cup Parmesan grated, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, ½ cup white wine, 2 tbsp butter.

How To Make Walnut Arugula Chicken Couscous

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and slice.

2. In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and their liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

3. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let wine reduce by half, then stir in butter until melted and glossy.

4. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions and stir in grated Parmesan. Toast chopped walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

5. Serve sliced chicken over Parmesan couscous, topped with mushroom mixture, fresh arugula, and toasted walnuts. The peppery greens wilt slightly from the warm chicken, creating perfect balance.

12. Mascarpone Date Chicken with Couscous

This restaurant-quality dish features grilled chicken in a rich mascarpone sauce with dates and capers. The sweet and savory combination creates an absolutely unforgettable dining experience.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1½ cups couscous, 8 oz mascarpone cheese, ½ cup dates chopped, 3 tbsp capers, ½ cup white wine, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 shallot minced, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, ½ cup chicken broth.

How To Make Mascarpone Date Chicken with Couscous

1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 7 minutes per side.

2. Remove chicken and tent with foil to keep warm. Add minced shallot to the same pan and cook until softened, about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.

3. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer. Add chopped dates and capers, cooking until dates begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to low and whisk in mascarpone cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy and luxurious, coating the back of a spoon perfectly.

5. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions. Slice chicken and serve over fluffy couscous, generously spooning the rich mascarpone date sauce over everything for an elegant presentation.

13. Herb Marinated Chicken with Cucumber Couscous

This bright chicken dinner features lemon-herb marinated chicken with refreshing cucumber couscous salad. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1½ cups couscous, 1 cucumber diced, 2 tomatoes chopped, ½ red onion sliced, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 lemons juiced, 2 tbsp fresh herbs mixed, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 tsp oregano.

How To Make Herb Marinated Chicken with Cucumber Couscous

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mixed herbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reserve half for the salad and use remaining half to marinate chicken for 20 minutes.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions and let cool slightly. Toss with diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion for fresh crunch.

4. Drizzle reserved herb dressing over the couscous salad and toss gently to combine. Slice the golden chicken and serve over the refreshing couscous mixture for a perfect balance of warm and cool elements.

14. Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Bowl

This Greek-inspired bowl combines spicy lemon chicken with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables. Every bite delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the islands.

Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1½ cups couscous, 1 cup tzatziki sauce, ½ cup feta crumbled, ½ cup Kalamata olives, 1 cucumber diced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, ½ red onion sliced, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 lemons juiced, 1 tsp red pepper flakes.

How To Make Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Bowl

1. Season chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken skin-side down for 8 minutes until crispy and golden. Flip and cook another 6-8 minutes until cooked through.

3. Prepare couscous according to package directions and fluff with a fork. In a separate bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, and sliced red onion for fresh crunch.

4. Divide warm couscous among serving bowls and top with sliced chicken, vegetable mixture, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.

5. Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The combination of warm spiced chicken with cool tzatziki creates the perfect Mediterranean experience.

Final Thoughts

These chicken and couscous recipes prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. From quick weeknight bowls to elegant dinner party dishes, there’s something here for every occasion and craving.

Whether you prefer Moroccan spices or Mediterranean herbs, these versatile combinations will become your new go-to dinners that satisfy both family and guests beautifully.