Arugula chicken and walnut couscous recipes is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings together diverse flavors and textures in a delightful way. This dish includes tender chicken, nutty and aromatic couscous, peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a flavorful dressing that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
Ingredients
The main ingredients required to prepare this dish are:
For the chicken:
- Boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For the couscous:
- Couscous
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Red onion
- Walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Arugula
- Feta cheese
For the dressing:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
Preparation
For the chicken:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
For the couscous:
1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Add the couscous and stir it well. Cover the saucepan with a lid and remove it from heat. Let the couscous soak up the broth for about 5 minutes.
3. Fluff the couscous with a fork and then stir in the olive oil.
4. Finely chop the red onion and toast the walnuts in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Add the red onion, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and arugula to the couscous and mix gently.
6. Crumble the feta cheese over the couscous.
For the dressing:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Serving
To serve the arugula chicken and walnut couscous, spoon a generous portion of the couscous onto a plate and arrange the chicken strips on top. Drizzle the dressing over the dish and garnish with additional chopped walnuts and arugula leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
To add more flavor and texture to the dish, you can try some of these variations:
- Substitute quinoa or bulgur for couscous.
- Use kale or spinach instead of arugula.
- Replace dried cranberries with raisins or chopped apricots.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, squash, or eggplant to the couscous.
- Season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or cumin.
Valuable Tips for Making Arugula Chicken and Walnut Couscous Recipes
Arugula chicken and walnut couscous is a fantastic meal that is both healthy and delicious. This dish is perfect for a midweek dinner or when entertaining guests as it’s quick and easy to make. However, to ensure that your recipe turns out perfectly, there are a few tips that you need to consider.
1. Choose the Right Ingredients
The first step to making a fantastic arugula chicken and walnut couscous recipe is to choose the right ingredients. It’s essential to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to make this dish stand out. Some of the key ingredients that you need to get right include:
a) Chicken
Choose high-quality chicken breast that is boneless and skinless. Make sure that the chicken is fresh and cut into small chunks for quick cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge and avoid thawing it in the microwave, as this can affect the texture of the meat.
b) Couscous
The quality of the couscous has a significant impact on the final flavor of the dish. Make sure that you choose high-quality couscous that is fresh and has a coarse texture. Avoid using instant couscous as it lacks the right texture and flavor.
c) Arugula and Walnuts
Make sure that you get fresh arugula leaves and high-quality walnuts. The arugula should be rinsed correctly, removing any dirt or debris before using it. Toast the walnuts before adding them to the couscous, as this enhances the flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Couscous
Once you have your ingredients sorted, the next step is to prepare the chicken and couscous.
a) Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and adjust the amounts according to your preference. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s fully cooked. Do not overcook the chicken as this can make it dry and tough.
b) Couscous
Add the couscous to a bowl and pour over boiling water to cover it. Cover the bowl with a lid or cling film and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and add salt to taste.
3. Combine the Ingredients
The final and most crucial step is to bring all the ingredients together to make the arugula chicken and walnut couscous.
a) Arugula and Walnuts
Add the arugula and walnuts to the couscous and mix well. The arugula will wilt slightly and soak up the dressing, adding some extra flavor.
b) Seasoning
Add some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to the couscous and mix well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and you can add some more olive oil or lemon juice if required.
c) Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the couscous and mix well. The chicken will absorb the flavors from the couscous and dressing, making it even more delicious.
4. Serving the Dish
Once you’ve combined all the ingredients, it’s time to serve the dish. You can serve the arugula chicken and walnut couscous hot or cold, depending on your preference. Garnish with some fresh herbs and extra toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor.
a) Serving Suggestions
You can serve this dish with some crusty bread or pita bread to soak up the dressing. It’s also fantastic with some grilled vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.
b) Storing and Reheating
If you have leftover arugula chicken and walnut couscous, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to three days. To reheat, add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the couscous to prevent it from drying out. You can warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
Conclusion
Arugula chicken and walnut couscous is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. The key to making a fantastic recipe is to use high-quality ingredients, prepare them correctly, and combine them in the right way. With these tips, you can make a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
