A beautifully roasted chicken served on a bed of fluffy couscous pilaf, garnished with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds.

Sumac Roasted Chicken with Couscous Pilaf

Name: Sumac Roasted Chicken with Couscous Pilaf
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: bone-in chicken breasts, 2; sumac, 2 teaspoons; ground cumin, 1 teaspoon; ground coriander, 1 teaspoon; paprika, 1 teaspoon; lemon, 1 juiced and zested; cloves garlic, 3 minced; olive oil, 2 tablespoons; Salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; couscous, 1 cup; small onion, 1 finely chopped; chopped dried apricots, 1/4 cup; toasted pine nuts, 1/4 cup; chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons; chopped fresh mint, 2 tablespoons; lemon juice, 1 tablespoon; extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon; Salt, to taste; pepper, to taste

Category Main Course

Prep 40 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Middle Eastern

Technique Roasting

Diet Friendly Paleo

Daily Recipe: August 02, 2023

In this recipe, we bring together the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with seasonal ingredients to create a delectable main course. Inspired by the cloudy but warm weather of a typical summer day, this dish will transport you to the bustling streets of a Middle Eastern market. Get ready to savor the aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and exotic flavors!

Ingredients (for 2)

Bone-in chicken breasts - 2
Sumac - 2 teaspoons
Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Lemon - 1 - juiced and zested
Cloves garlic - 3 - minced
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Couscous - 1 cup
Small onion - 1 - finely chopped
Chopped dried apricots - 1/4 cup
Toasted pine nuts - 1/4 cup
Chopped fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons
Chopped fresh mint - 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
Extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥💨🌡️

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2 - 🥣🌶️🍋

In a small bowl, mix together the sumac, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3 - 🐔🌶️🌿

Rub the chicken breasts with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 4 - 🍗🔥⏰

Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and nicely browned.
Step 5 - 🔪🍳🧅

While the chicken is roasting, prepare the couscous pilaf. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Step 6 - 🍚🔥🥄

Add the couscous to the saucepan and stir until lightly toasted. Pour in 1 1/4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Step 7 - 🍚🔥🍲

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the couscous simmer for 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Step 8 - 🧊🍚🍴

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
Step 9 - 🥣🥗🥄

Stir in the chopped dried apricots, toasted pine nuts, parsley, mint, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 10 - 🍽️🥗🍗

To serve, divide the couscous pilaf on plates and place a roasted chicken breast on top. Garnish with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds, if desired.
Step 11 - 🌟🍰😋

Enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern feast!

Additional

For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini. Kids can help with marinating the chicken and fluffing the couscous pilaf.