If you’re craving a dish that brims with warm spices, hearty textures, and the bright freshness of herbs, you’ve got to try this Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender, spice-kissed chicken thighs nestled in a fragrant tomato broth, paired with pillowy giant couscous that soaks up every delicious drop. This recipe captures the essence of Syrian home cooking with its balance of bold flavors and comforting simplicity—perfect for a dinner that feels both special and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a key role in creating the layered flavors and delightful textures that make this Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe so unforgettable. From aromatic spices to vibrant herbs, they combine to deliver a dish that looks as lovely as it tastes.
- Olive oil: The base for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics, adding richness and depth.
- Chicken thigh fillets (bone in, skin on): These pieces bring moisture and flavor, staying juicy through the cooking process.
- Cumin powder: Offers a warm, earthy note that grounds the dish.
- Cinnamon powder: Adds subtle sweetness and an exotic hint, complementing the savory spices.
- Salt and Black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh ginger (finely chopped): Brings a zingy, aromatic brightness that cuts through richness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fragrant depth and slight pungency.
- Onion (halved and finely sliced): Provides natural sweetness and texture when sautéed.
- Birds eye chilis (finely chopped): Impart a lively heat that you can adjust to your preference.
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves (roughly chopped): The fresh herbs bring a burst of color and fresh flavor to lighten the dish.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a wonderful tang that lifts the rich tomato broth.
- Canned crushed tomato: The base of the luscious sauce that the chicken cooks in.
- Chicken stock/broth: Enriches the sauce with savory depth and moisture.
- Saffron powder: A pinch creates a subtle floral undertone and a lovely golden hue.
- Thyme (fresh or dried): Adds an earthy, aromatic note to round out the spices.
- Dried currants or sultanas (optional): For a touch of sweetness that balances the spices nicely.
- Giant couscous (Israeli or pearl): The perfect starchy base; its chewy texture is ideal for soaking up the sauce.
- Yoghurt (optional): Offers a cooling contrast and creamy texture when served alongside.
How to Make Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Then, take those beautiful chicken thighs and season them generously with your cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper mixture. Rubbing the spices in by hand ensures every bit of the chicken is imbued with that warm, fragrant flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-proof frying pan over high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and allow the skin to crisp up into a golden brown masterpiece. Flip and brown the other side as well. Once browned, remove the chicken and drain excess oil from the pan—this step helps develop deep flavor without excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Into the same pan, toss your sliced onions, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chopped bird’s eye chilis. Sauté for about two minutes until the onions turn translucent and start to develop a light brown color. This fragrant base forms the heart of the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Saucy Goodness
Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, saffron, cumin, and thyme to the pan. Let it come to a gentle simmer—this blend creates a rich, aromatic sauce. Turn off the heat, nestle your browned chicken thighs back into the pan, cover with foil or a lid, and slide it into the oven to bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The slow baking melds flavors and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Giant Couscous
While the chicken bakes, prepare your giant couscous according to the package instructions. Typically, boiling in salted water for around four minutes is all it takes before draining. Its chewy texture makes it the perfect companion to soak up all the juicy sauce flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh herbs and Lemon
Once the chicken is cooked and glowing golden, remove the pan from the oven. Stir in dried currants if you’re using them, along with fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped mint and coriander. Sprinkle the remaining fresh herbs on top before serving for a vibrant, fresh finish.
How to Serve Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, a dollop of cool, creamy yoghurt alongside the chicken helps balance the spices wonderfully. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs on top brightens the plate and makes it feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully as a one-pan meal, but feel free to serve with a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy pickled vegetable side. The cool, crunchy textures provide an exciting contrast to the warm, rich chicken and couscous.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken and couscous on a large, colorful platter arranged with fresh herbs and lemon wedges around the edges. This invites everyone to dig in family-style and makes for a charming centerpiece that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s a great choice for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the couscous for up to two months. Be sure to cool everything completely before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and sauce slowly on the stove or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Reheat the couscous separately by steaming or microwaving with a sprinkle of water to restore its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
While skin-on thighs provide extra flavor and moisture, you can use skinless chicken if preferred. Just be mindful that the dish may be slightly less rich and browned, so browning the chicken carefully is key.
What if I can’t find giant couscous?
Israeli or pearl couscous works best for this recipe due to its chewy texture, but if unavailable, you could use regular couscous, bulgur wheat, or even quinoa as alternatives, though the texture will differ slightly.
Is it possible to adjust the heat level?
Absolutely! Birds eye chilis bring significant heat, so reduce the quantity or remove seeds to tame the spice. You can also omit them entirely for a milder version.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
The chicken and sauce are naturally gluten-free, but giant couscous contains gluten. Substituting with gluten-free grains like quinoa or millet makes this dish accessible for gluten-sensitive diets.
Do I have to use saffron powder?
Saffron adds a subtle floral aroma and beautiful color, but the dish works well without it if it’s hard to find. A pinch of turmeric can be a good substitute for color and warmth.
Final Thoughts
This Syrian Chicken with Giant Couscous and Fresh Herbs Recipe is a soulful dish that effortlessly combines bold spices, bright herbs, and comforting textures. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether feeding family or impressing friends. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share the flavors of Syria from your own kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!
