CHICKEN WITH FIGS IN RAS-EL-HANOUT AND COUSCOUS

Chicken with Figs in Ras-el-Hanout and Couscous image

Provided by Mourad Lahlou

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

6 whole chicken leg-thigh pieces (about 4 1/2 pounds total)
1 tablespoon salt plus additional for seasoning
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 baby carrots, peeled
1 cup shallots, peeled, halved (about 4 large)
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme plus additional for garnish
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons ras-el-hanout
3 cups low-salt chicken broth
3/4 cup dry white wine
14 Brown Turkey figs, halved
2 teaspoons Sherry wine vinegar
Couscous (prepared according to package directions)

Steps:

Arrange chicken on rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle each side of each piece with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer chicken to skillet and sear until golden, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to heavy roasting pan, skin side up. Add carrots, shallots, garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, lemon peel, ras-el-hanout, chicken broth, white wine, and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to skillet. Bring to boil, whisking up brown bits. Pour mixture over chicken in roasting pan and bring to simmer over medium heat. Cover with foil; place in oven. Braise 1 hour, until tender.
Transfer chicken, carrots, and shallots to baking sheet; discard garlic. Pour pan juices into large saucepan. Spoon off fat from surface. Boil juices until reduced to 1 3/4 cups, whisking occasionally, about 18 minutes. Add figs and vinegar; cook until figs are just heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Place cooked couscous on large plate. Top with chicken, vegetables, and figs. Spoon sauce over chicken and figs. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.