Tunisian-Inspired Chicken & Pumpkin Couscous
Warmly spiced chicken and fluffy couscous meet caramelized sugar pie pumpkin and onions in a Tunisian-inspired bowl suited to Washington’s November produce.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $11
- Calories per serving: 650 cal
- Oven
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs12 ounces $4.49
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Organic Sugar Pie Pumpkin1 small pumpkin (use 1 pound peeled, seeded flesh; reserve any extra)
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Jumbo Yellow Onion1 medium (about 8 ounces) $0.89
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Kroger Original Couscous3.5 ounces dry $2.49
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Garlic2 cloves $0.79
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Olive oil2 tablespoons
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Ground coriander1 teaspoon
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Sweet paprika1/2 teaspoon
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Ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon
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Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon
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Morton kosher salt flakes2 3/8 teaspoons, divided
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Harissa paste2 teaspoons, optional
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Red wine vinegar1 tablespoon
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling Washington White Dessert Wine1 bottle $8.99
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Heat the oven to 425°F. Peel and seed 1 small Organic Sugar Pie Pumpkin, then cut 1 pound of flesh into 3/4-inch cubes; refrigerate any extra for another meal. Peel 1 medium yellow onion (about 8 ounces) and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
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Pat 12 ounces chicken thighs dry, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces, and season with 7/8 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes. Let stand while you prepare the vegetables. Wash the knife, board, and your hands after handling the chicken.
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On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the prepared pumpkin and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 1/4 teaspoons Morton kosher salt flakes. Spread in one layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender and browned at the edges.
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Mince 2 garlic cloves. In a small bowl, combine the following spice mixture:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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While the vegetables roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in one layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic and spice mixture, and stir for 30 seconds.
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Stir 2 teaspoons harissa paste, if using, into the chicken. Add 1/2 cup water and scrape up the browned bits. Cover and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken reaches 175°F. Uncover, stir in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, and simmer for 1–2 minutes to leave a small amount of spoonable sauce.
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Meanwhile, bring 3/4 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 3.5 ounces dry couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Divide the couscous between two bowls. Arrange the roasted pumpkin and onion alongside, then spoon the chicken and its spiced sauce over the couscous. Serve hot.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the warm spices and optional harissa heat.
Wine picks:
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling Washington White Dessert Wine $8.99 1 bottle
- Long Shadows Vintners Poet's Leap Riesling $19.99 1 bottle
Why it works: A touch of Riesling sweetness softens the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and optional harissa, while lively acidity refreshes the palate alongside the sweet roasted pumpkin and onion. The Washington off-dry style is a particularly fitting regional match.