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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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

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.