Balsamic-Peach Chicken with Almond Couscous

A polished California-style dinner of balsamic-peach glazed chicken, blistered summer green beans, and lemon-almond pearl couscous—all finished in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!
    12 oz $4.49
  • Fresh Bagged Green Beans
    10 oz $2.19
  • Fresh California Yellow Peach – Each
    2 medium peaches (about 10 oz) $3.99
  • Kroger® Pearl Couscous
    4 oz $2.49
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Parsley
    1/4 cup chopped $1.29
  • Fresh Organic Lemon - Each
    1 lemon (1 tsp zest and 2 tbsp juice) $1.29
  • Sliced almonds
    2 tbsp
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 1/2 tbsp
  • Balsamic vinegar
    3 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard
    1 tbsp
  • Honey
    1 tbsp
  • Water
    1 cup
  • Kosher salt
    1 1/4 tsp
  • Black pepper
    3/4 tsp
  • La Crema Monterey Chardonnay California White Wine
    1 bottle (750 ml) $13.99

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Trim 10 ounces green beans, cut 2 medium peaches into thick wedges, mince 2 garlic cloves, chop 1/4 cup parsley, and zest and juice 1 lemon to obtain 1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice.
  2. Pat 12 ounces chicken thighs dry and season with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove; coat the 12 ounces chicken thighs with the entire mixture in a shallow roasting dish.
  3. Roast the 12 ounces chicken thighs for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss 10 ounces green beans and 2 sliced peaches with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Arrange the seasoned 10 ounces green beans and 2 peaches around the 12 ounces chicken thighs. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes more, until the beans blister, the peaches caramelize, and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  5. While the chicken finishes, heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 1 minced garlic clove for 30 seconds, then stir in 4 ounces pearl couscous for 1 minute. Add 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Fold in 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest.
  6. Whisk 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make a bright finishing sauce. Rest the roasted 12 ounces chicken thighs, 10 ounces green beans, and 2 peaches for 5 minutes.
  7. Divide the couscous made from 4 ounces dry pearl couscous between 2 plates. Add the roasted 12 ounces chicken thighs, 10 ounces green beans, and 2 peaches, then drizzle with the entire finishing sauce and serve.

Total time: 50 minutes

Estimated cost: $12–$16, plus pantry staples

Health notes: About 800 calories per serving, with roughly 45 grams of protein plus fiber from peaches, green beans, and couscous.

Drink pairing: A lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the roasted peaches and savory chicken without overwhelming the green beans.

Wine picks:

  • La Crema Monterey Chardonnay California White Wine $13.99 1 bottle (750 ml)
  • Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay California White Wine $17.99 1 bottle (750 ml)

Why it works: The peach, honey, and balsamic glaze call for a ripe, gently oaked Chardonnay, while lemon, green beans, and Dijon need enough freshness to keep the pairing lively. La Crema offers polished California fruit and balanced oak; Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve adds a richer, more luxurious match for the caramelized peaches and chicken thighs.