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
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Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!12 oz $4.49
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Fresh Bagged Green Beans10 oz $2.19
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Fresh California Yellow Peach – Each2 medium peaches (about 10 oz) $3.99
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Kroger® Pearl Couscous4 oz $2.49
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Garlic2 cloves $0.79
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Parsley1/4 cup chopped $1.29
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Fresh Organic Lemon - Each1 lemon (1 tsp zest and 2 tbsp juice) $1.29
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Sliced almonds2 tbsp
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Extra-virgin olive oil2 1/2 tbsp
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Balsamic vinegar3 tbsp
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Dijon mustard1 tbsp
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Honey1 tbsp
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Water1 cup
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Kosher salt1 1/4 tsp
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Black pepper3/4 tsp
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La Crema Monterey Chardonnay California White Wine1 bottle (750 ml) $13.99
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.