Chicken with mustard and couscous

Delicious Mustard Chicken and Couscous Recipe

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that will impress both family and guests, you have come to the right place! Mustard chicken with couscous is a perfect choice for a quick yet sophisticated dinner. The strong flavors of the spices blend perfectly with the juiciness of the meat, while the soft couscous complements this dish deliciously.

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (preferably with skin for more flavor)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (choose Dijon mustard for a more intense taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked, if you prefer a deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 250 g couscous
- 50 g butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinating the chicken
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, mix the mustard, paprika, rosemary, thyme, crushed garlic, and olive oil. This aromatic paste will give the chicken a unique flavor. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients well until they become homogeneous, similar to mayonnaise.

Step 2: Marinating the meat
Coat the chicken thighs with this marinade, ensuring they are evenly covered. Then, wrap them in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, making it extremely flavorful.

Step 3: Baking the chicken
Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Remove the thighs from the refrigerator, unwrap them from the foil, and place them in a heat-resistant dish. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked and browned. You can check if it's done by piercing a thigh with a fork; the juice that comes out should be clear, not pink.

Step 4: Preparing the couscous
While the chicken is in the oven, you can prepare the side dish. In a non-stick pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the couscous and lightly toast it, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden. This process will enhance the couscous's flavor.

Step 5: Cooking the couscous
After the couscous has been toasted, pour 2 cups of hot water over it, enough to cover it. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed. Finally, add the chopped garlic and season with salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine the flavors.

Step 6: Serving
For a special presentation, place the chicken on a platter alongside the couscous, and garnish with chopped parsley. This dish is served warm, and the combination of flavors and textures will delight your meal.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can experiment with other spices, such as coriander or cumin, to give the chicken an exotic touch.
- If you prefer a healthier side dish, replace the couscous with quinoa or brown rice.
- Add roasted vegetables alongside the chicken, such as carrots or zucchini, for a complete dish.

This mustard chicken and couscous recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, allowing you to play with your favorite flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons mustard, paprika, rosemary, thyme, 3-4 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil. For the garnish: 250 g couscous, 50 g butter, 4 garlic cloves, fresh parsley, salt and pepper.

 Tags:  couscous chicken thighs mustard