Print

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup
Print Recipe

Warm up with this hearty and nutritious Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup, combining tender chicken, nutty pearl couscous, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful, comforting broth. Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, this versatile soup is perfect year-round for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, appealing to the whole family with its mild, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains

  • 3/4 cup pearl couscous

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid & Broth

  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery finely. Mince the garlic, chop fresh parsley and thyme, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Then add the chicken pieces and brown lightly on all sides.
  3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth along with the thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to let flavors meld and chicken cook through.
  4. Cook Pearl Couscous: Stir in the pearl couscous and let it simmer for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs. Stir in chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired to add brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth for a richer depth of flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pearl couscous to keep a pleasant chewy texture.
  • Choose whether to shred or cube the chicken based on your preferred texture.
  • Adjust salt and pepper gradually to achieve the best taste.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.
  • For freezing, omit pearl couscous and cook fresh when reheating to maintain best texture.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used; add it shredded during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, pearl couscous, hearty soup, easy dinner, nutritious meal, cozy soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://withnora.com/chicken-pearl-couscous-soup/