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

  • Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Thighs
    12 ounces $4.49
  • Organic Sugar Pie Pumpkin
    1 small pumpkin (use 1 pound peeled, seeded flesh; reserve any extra)
  • Jumbo Yellow Onion
    1 medium (about 8 ounces) $0.89
  • Kroger Original Couscous
    3.5 ounces dry $2.49
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander
    1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Morton kosher salt flakes
    2 3/8 teaspoons, divided
  • Harissa paste
    2 teaspoons, optional
  • Red wine vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Riesling Washington White Dessert Wine
    1 bottle $8.99

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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
  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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.