Couscous with grilled chicken and green salad

I suggest you prepare a delicious couscous recipe with roast chicken and green salad, perfect for a family meal or with friends. This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted chicken with the fine texture of couscous and the freshness of the salad, turning each bite into an explosion of tastes.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the roast chicken:
- 1 free-range chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of lard (or olive oil)

For the couscous:
- 250 g of couscous
- 250 ml of hot water (or chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 25 g of butter (optional)

For the vegetables:
- 1 large tomato
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cucumber
- A handful of olives (preferably green)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Lemon juice, to taste

For the salad dressing:
- 1 head of garlic
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, to taste
- 100 g of sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
- 1 large salad (green lettuce or mixed salad)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
1. Marinating the chicken: The night before cooking, wash and cut the chicken into pieces. In a bowl, prepare a mixture of salt, paprika, and pepper. Season each piece of meat well with this mixture. Cover the chicken and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to intensify.

Step 2: Roasting the chicken
1. Cooking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with lard or olive oil. Place the chicken pieces in the tray and put them in the oven.
2. Maintaining the roast: After 30 minutes, check the chicken and, if necessary, add a little water to prevent drying out. Turn the meat over and continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is golden and tender.

Step 3: Preparing the couscous
1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring 250 ml of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add salt and olive oil.
2. Adding the couscous: When the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the couscous. Stir gently to ensure no lumps form. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2 minutes.
3. Finishing the couscous: After 2 minutes, add the butter and stir with a spoon to incorporate it. Put the couscous on low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly.

Step 4: Preparing the vegetables
1. Chopping the vegetables: Wash and chop the vegetables: the tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber into small cubes.
2. Preparing the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with the prepared couscous. Add lemon juice and olive oil to taste. Mix well and let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 3 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Preparing the salad dressing
1. Making the dressing: Peel and crush the garlic. Mix it with olive oil, sour cream, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl until you obtain a smooth mixture.
2. Serving the dressing: Place the dressing in a separate bowl so that each person can add as much as they like to their green salad.

Step 6: Assembling the main dish
1. Serving the dish: On a large platter, arrange the couscous and place the roasted chicken pieces around it. Garnish with olives, cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Adding the salad: Serve the green salad with the dressing on the side, so everyone can customize their portion.

Helpful tips
- Vegetable option: If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the roast chicken with a combination of grilled or sautéed vegetables. You can also add chickpeas or beans to increase the protein content.
- Cooking the chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked until the juices run clear, with no blood, to guarantee food safety.
- Olive oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor and enhanced nutritional benefits.

Nutritional information
A serving of couscous with roast chicken and green salad has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the portions of meat and oil used. This dish provides a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice due to the fresh vegetables included.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use whole grain couscous? Absolutely! Whole grain couscous is an excellent choice, having a higher fiber and nutrient content.
- What can I substitute for chicken? You can use turkey, lamb, or even fish. Each option will bring a distinct note to this dish.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, couscous is perfect for cooking ahead of time. You can prepare the salad a few hours before serving, and the chicken can be cooked and refrigerated, then reheated before serving.

Conclusion
This couscous recipe with roast chicken and green salad is not only a tasty dish but also an opportunity to bring people together. Try to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table. Bon appétit!