CHICKEN WITH MUSTARD-SEED CRUST AND COUSCOUS

Chicken with Mustard-Seed Crust and Couscous image

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 whole small skinless boneless chicken breast (1/2 pound total), halved
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup couscous
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Accompaniment if desired: Carrot, Snow Pea, and Red Pepper Julienne in Honey Vinaigrette

Steps:

Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste. On a plate combine mustard seeds and parsley and press chicken into seed mixture, coating both sides.
In a small saucepan bring 3/4 cup water and salt to a boil. Stir in couscous and let stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes.
In a non-stick skillet heat butter over moderate heat until foam subsides and cook chicken on 1 side until golden, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken and cook, covered, over moderately low heat until just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Fluff couscous with a fork and divide between 2 plates. Top couscous with chicken. To skillet add lemon juice and remaining tablespoon water and simmer, scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Pour sauce over chicken and serve with carrot, snow pea, and red pepper julienne.