Harvest Time Chicken with Couscous
Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in a slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, spinach salad and crescent rolls round out the menu.
Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in a slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, spinach salad and crescent rolls round out the menu.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- couscous:
- 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1-1/4 pounds), peeled and c
- 1 medium sweet red pepper coarsely chopped
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup peach or mango salsa
- Carbohydrate 6.1607641060148 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.109854866488403 g
- Fiber 0.738971427389926 g
- Protein 0.426891787119945 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0167159401825645 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (66g)
- Sodium 3.27956517319961 mg
- Sugar 5.42179267862488 g
- Trans Fat 0.0527241164649237 g
- Calories 25 calories
Step-by-step
- In a 4-qt. slow cooker, layer sweet potatoes, red pepper and chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, mix tomatoes, salsa, raisins and seasonings; pour over chicken.
- Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until sweet potatoes and chicken are tender.
- About 10 minutes before serving, prepare couscous.
- In a small saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil.
- Stir in couscous.
- Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker; coarsely shred with 2 forks.
- Return chicken to slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
- Serve with couscous.
Harvest Time Chicken with Couscous: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, carpools, and extracurricular activities leaves precious little time for elaborate meal preparation. That's why I've become a master of the slow cooker – it's my secret weapon against weeknight dinner stress. This Harvest Time Chicken with Couscous is a perfect example of a slow cooker recipe that delivers big on flavor and ease.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. I simply layer the ingredients – sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and juicy chicken breasts – in my trusty slow cooker. Then, I whisk together a vibrant blend of stewed tomatoes, zesty salsa, sweet raisins, and warming spices (cinnamon and cumin). This flavorful sauce coats the chicken and sweet potatoes as they simmer gently, creating an unbelievably tender and flavorful result.
While the chicken is bubbling away in the slow cooker, I can focus on other tasks – checking emails, helping with homework, or even squeezing in a quick workout. There's no need for constant monitoring or frantic stirring. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing me to unwind and enjoy my evening without the pressure of a complicated dinner routine.
The couscous is equally effortless. A simple 5-minute preparation method involves boiling water, adding the couscous, and letting it stand until the liquid is absorbed. It's fluffy, light and complements the rich flavors of the chicken perfectly. The whole dish comes together in a matter of minutes once the chicken is cooked.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. Feel free to experiment with different types of salsa – mango salsa adds a tropical twist, while a spicier version will provide a delightful kick. I often add a handful of chopped spinach or kale to the slow cooker for an extra boost of nutrients and vibrant color. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond its convenience, this Harvest Time Chicken with Couscous is packed with wholesome ingredients. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamin A and fiber, while chicken provides lean protein. The couscous offers a good source of carbohydrates for sustained energy. This dish is a balanced and nourishing meal that fuels my family through busy weeknights. It's a recipe I've made countless times, and it always receives rave reviews.
The best part? Leftovers are just as delicious the next day! I often pack the remaining chicken and couscous for my lunch, ensuring a satisfying and healthy meal on the go. This is truly a recipe that effortlessly combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition – everything a busy mom needs!
Serving Suggestions: I love pairing this dish with a fresh spinach salad, some crusty bread, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless! It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I have found that adding a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds extra dimension to the flavor profile. The adaptable nature of this recipe has made it a consistent favorite in our home.
Make-Ahead Tip: For ultimate convenience, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. This is especially helpful on days when you're short on time. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment, but the end result will be just as delicious.
In conclusion, the Harvest Time Chicken with Couscous recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of efficient cooking without compromising on flavor or nutrition. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my home, providing a simple yet satisfying dinner solution for busy weeknights. I highly recommend adding it to your repertoire.
