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Comfort in a Bowl: Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

When the weather turns brisk and the trees begin to shed their leaves, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup to wrap you in comfort. This recipe is a delightful solution for busy days when you crave something nourishing yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or simply trying to avoid the dreaded evening “what’s for dinner?” conundrum, this soup has got your back!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted with the delicious aroma of simmering chicken, fresh herbs, and comforting pearl couscous. This soup not only warms your body but also fills your soul with satisfaction. It’s nourishing, rich in flavor, and a delightful way to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s diet (shh, they don’t need to know!).

So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that promises to be a hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought for the win!)
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, but highly recommended!)

Steps to Culinary Bliss

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sautéing until it’s soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, and let them dance together for about a minute. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing—no need for air fresheners here!

2. Get Your Veggies in the Mix: Now, add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Stir everything until those veggies start to soften, about 5 minutes. This is an excellent time to daydream about how proud your family will be when they taste your culinary creation.

3. Chicken Time: Next, place the chicken breasts into the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Just enough time to pour yourself a glass of wine if you fancy!

4. Couscous Magic: Once the chicken’s done, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and add the pearl couscous, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the couscous is tender and fluffy.

5. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can opt for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick—trust me, it elevates the flavor! Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and perhaps a lemon wedge.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t worry if your soup looks a little lumpy—it’s all part of the magic! Plus, it simply means you’ve packed in the goodness.
• Customize: Add spinach, kale, or whatever greens you have lurking in the fridge to boost the nutrients. Your soup will not only be hearty but also health-packed.
• Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just remember to leave the couscous out until you reheat it; otherwise, it may soak up all the broth.

A Personal Touch

Whenever my sister Patricia and I make this soup, it transforms the atmosphere in our kitchen. We can’t help but share stories about our childhood while tossing in ingredients. I remember the first time I served this at family gathering—everyone kept coming back for more! It’s become a staple that ignites warm conversations around the dinner table, and I hope it will do the same for you.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll be good in the fridge for about 3 days—if it lasts that long!

What else can I add?
The beauty of this soup is in its versatility. Add beans, corn, or even some diced potatoes for a heartier meal. Culinary creativity knows no bounds!

Now you’re all set to bring some warmth to your table with this Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe when you need that soothing comfort in a bowl. So, don your apron, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the delightful moments that come with cooking and sharing a meal made with love.

Remember to check out more of my delicious recipes here for your next family dinner!

Meta Description: Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is the perfect recipe for busy days. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

A warm, hearty Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. Nourishing and rich in flavor, this soup will become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• to taste salt and pepper
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• lemon wedges (optional, but highly recommended!)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sautéing until it’s soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
2. Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Stir until those veggies start to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Place the chicken breasts into the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Add the pearl couscous, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the couscous is tender and fluffy.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired, then serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and optionally a lemon wedge.

Notes

Don't worry if your soup looks a little lumpy—it’s all part of the magic! You can customize by adding spinach, kale, or whatever greens you have. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, just leave out the couscous until reheating.