Harissa Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Couscous
A fast Tunisian-inspired grilled dinner with smoky harissa chicken thighs, peak-summer zucchini, and fluffy lemon-herb couscous.
Ingredients
-
Simple Truth® Natural Boneless and Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs Griller Pack BIG DEAL!12 ounces $4.49
-
Zucchini1 pound, cut lengthwise into planks $2.69
-
Kroger® Original Couscous3/4 cup dry $2.49
-
Fresh Red Tomato1/2 pound, diced $2.49
-
Jumbo Red Onion1/4 small, finely diced $2.29
-
Garlic2 cloves, grated or minced $0.79
-
Fresh Organic Lemon - Each1 lemon, zested and juiced $2.00
-
Parsley1/3 cup chopped $1.89
-
Harissa paste1 1/2 tablespoons
-
Ground cumin1 teaspoon
-
Ground coriander1/2 teaspoon
-
Smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon
-
Olive oil3 tablespoons, divided
-
Kosher salt and black pepperto taste
-
Water or low-sodium broth3/4 cup
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: pat the chicken thighs dry, slice the zucchini into long planks, dice the tomato and red onion, mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley.
- Make the marinade by mixing harissa, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper; coat the chicken and let it sit while the grill heats, about 10 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Toss the zucchini with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest.
- Bring 3/4 cup water or broth to a boil with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil; stir in the couscous, cover, remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and fold in half the parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until lightly charred and the thickest part reaches 165°F; transfer to a plate to rest for 5 minutes.
- Grill the zucchini for 2–4 minutes per side until tender with char marks. Meanwhile, toss the tomato, red onion, remaining parsley, remaining lemon juice, 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt, and pepper into a quick relish.
- Plate the couscous, top with grilled chicken and zucchini, spoon the tomato-parsley relish over the chicken, and finish with any remaining lemon zest.
Total time: 45 minutes
Estimated cost: About $14–$18 for 2 servings, assuming pantry spices and oil are on hand.
Health notes: About 620 calories per serving with high protein, moderate whole-meal carbs, and vegetables from zucchini and tomato.
Drink pairing: A chilled dry rosé or off-dry Riesling balances the smoky chile heat and lemony herbs.