Best Apricot Glazed Chicken Breasts With Almond Couscous Recipes

Apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipes are a mouth-watering dish that combines the sweetness of apricots with the nuttiness of almonds. It is a perfect fit for those who love to savor a combination of flavors that complement each other. The succulent chicken breasts glazed with apricot sauce, paired with the flavorful and fragrant almond couscous, makes for a satisfying meal.

The Ingredients

To prepare the apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipe, the following ingredients are necessary:

For the apricot glaze:

• 6 apricots
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the almond couscous:

• 2 cups couscous
• 2 ½ cups boiling water
• 1/4th cup slivered almonds
• 1/4th cup golden raisins
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the chicken breasts:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Preparation

To prepare the apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipe, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Preparing the apricot glaze

• Pit the apricots and chop them roughly into small pieces.
• In a pan, heat olive oil and add ginger and garlic paste. Sauté the mixture for 30 seconds.
• Add the chopped apricots, honey, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook it covered over low heat until the apricots turn soft and form a thick sauce.

Step 2: Preparing the almond couscous

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil and add slivered almonds. Sauté until the almonds turn golden brown.
• Add the couscous into the pan and mix it well with the almonds.
• Pour 2 ½ cups of boiling water over the couscous and almonds. Cover the saucepan and let the couscous cook for about 5 minutes.
• Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add golden raisins, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Preparing the chicken breasts

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
• In a pan, heat olive oil and add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides and well-cooked.

Conclusion

Apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipe is a dish that you can’t resist. The sweet and savory taste of the apricot glaze blends perfectly with the nuttiness of the almond couscous. The chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and have a flavorful seasoning. It is a dish that is perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even for regular weeknight meals. With a little effort and simple ingredients, you can create this heavenly meal that is sure to leave your taste buds craving for more.

There's nothing more satisfying than a good home-cooked meal, and apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous is definitely a winner. The flavors and textures in this dish marry perfectly, making it a favorite among many households. However, getting it just right can be a challenge. Here are some valuable tips that can help you perfect your apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipe.

Tip 1: Marinate your chicken

To get the most out of your chicken flavor, it is essential that you give it enough time to marinate before cooking. The chicken needs to be infused with flavors from the spices and other ingredients used in the recipe, and this can only happen if you marinate the chicken before cooking. For this recipe, you can make the marinade with apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, which should sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours. You can also choose to marinate your chicken overnight, which allows the chicken to absorb more flavors and become more tender, juicy, and delicious.

Tip 2: Use quality ingredients

When it comes to cooking any dish, ingredients are the cornerstone of success. In the case of apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous, using high-quality ingredients can make a world of difference in the final product's taste and texture. For the chicken, choose organic or free-range chicken breasts, which are more tender and flavorful than conventional chicken. Similarly, use high-quality apricot preserves for your marinade and sauce, as well as fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. For your couscous, use high-quality Israeli couscous, which has a more substantial texture than regular couscous, and toast it in a bit of olive oil to bring out its nutty flavor. You can also use slivered almonds, which add crunch and a sweet, nutty flavor to the couscous.

Tip 3: Patience is key

When cooking apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous, it is important to remember that patience is key. Rushing the cooking process can dry out the chicken or cause the couscous to become mushy. Therefore, take your time to cook the chicken slowly, allowing it to cook through without burning the apricot glaze. Likewise, give your couscous enough time to cook and absorb the flavors before fluffing it with a fork. The couscous should be light and fluffy, with individual grains that can be easily separated. And, as with all recipes, don't rush the plating. Take your time to make the plate aesthetically pleasing, and sprinkle the slivered almonds on top to give it a final touch.

Tip 4: Play with flavors

One of the great things about apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous is that it is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different spices, ingredients, and sauces to create your own flavor combinations. For example, you can add some fennel seeds or cumin to the chicken marinade to add a depth of flavor. You can also use other glazes or sauces, such as honey mustard or teriyaki, to create variations in taste. Similarly, you can play around with vegetables, herbs, and spices to create different flavors and textures in your couscous. For example, you can use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes instead of the usual cherry tomatoes. You can also use different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to give the couscous a more fragrant flavor.

Tip 5: Add some color

Finally, don't forget to add some color to your apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous recipe. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds some additional flavor and nutrition. You can add some green veggies, such as fresh spinach or kale, to your couscous or add some sliced red bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to your chicken. Be creative and add ingredients that complement the flavors of the dish, such as roasted sweet potatoes or steamed asparagus.

Conclusion:

Apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous is a hearty, flavorful, and versatile recipe that can be customized to suit anyone's taste. By using high-quality ingredients, marinating the chicken, taking your time, and experimenting with different flavors and colors, you can create a dish that is sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. So, give these tips a try the next time you make apricot glazed chicken breasts with almond couscous, and watch your dish elevate to a new level of yumminess.