This lemon cumin chicken is quick, easy, and a bit audacious (at least in terms of seasoning). The citrusy tang of lemon lends brightness, the earthy flavor of cumin provides satisfying warmth and depth, and an assertive combination of garlic and mint keeps things interesting. As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword easy, quick
Prep Time 35 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 4servings
Equipment
microplane (or a cheese grater with small holes)
Ingredients
zest of one lemon
⅓cupfresh lemon juice
⅓cupolive oil(plus 1 tablespoon for the couscous)
3tablespoonsfresh mint leavesfinely shredded
3garlic clovesminced
2teaspoonsground cumin
½teaspoonpaprika
½teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1poundboneless skinless chicken breastscut into chunks
10ouncescouscous Moroccan variety (about 1¾ cups)
2cupschicken stock
lemon wedges(to serve)
Instructions
Place the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, about half of the mint, about half of the minced garlic, cumin paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix briefly to combine the marinade.
Add the chicken and stir to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place a large skillet over medium high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken along with the marinade. Once the liquid has come to a boil, adjust the heat to a simmer and then cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
In the meantime, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions, using chicken stock (instead of water).
To serve, spoon the lemon cumin chicken onto a bed of couscous and sprinkle some of the remaining mint and garlic over the top. Place a couple of lemon wedges alongside.