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With back-to-school right around the corner (where did the summer go?!?), weekdays are about to get a lot busier and our afternoons and evenings will be filled with homework, swim lessons, Daisy Girl Scouts and more activities! So a quick and easy dinner like this Israeli Couscous with Chicken and Peas is a perfect option when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
Don’t be fooled by the simple ingredients in this dish – this Israeli couscous with chicken and peas packs a ton of flavor! The Israeli (or pearl) couscous is cooked in a combination of chicken broth, lemon juice and lemon zest creating a simple and delicious sauce. Then shredded and chopped rotisserie chicken is added along with some thawed frozen peas, fresh chopped scallions, and grated parmesan cheese – and you’re done!
This is such a simple dish – but the combination of the lemon juice and scallions add such bright, fresh flavors to the sauce and it really elevates this Israeli couscous with chicken and peas to something special that your family will love!
Although this recipe is written using Israeli couscous – any small pasta, like orzo, would work just as well – although we do love the firm texture of the Israeli couscous! (We used a tri-color couscous here which is why you see some orange and green pasta in the photograph.) Additionally, we’ve used a store-bought rotisserie chicken in this recipe – but any leftover cooked chicken will work in this recipe. Just shred and chop it before adding in with the rest of the ingredients.
Adapted from The Food Network.
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Israeli Couscous with Chicken and Peas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/3 cups Israeli (pearl) couscous
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- Zest of 2 large lemons
- Juice from 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 4 scallions, finely sliced including both white and green parts
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cups shredded and chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie cooked or other cooking method)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Pour in the couscous and stirring frequently, cook until lightly toasted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer about 8 minutes – until the couscous is al dente. (Note: You should have some of the cooking liquid remaining after the 8 minutes – you will use this for the sauce.)
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, scallions, peas and chicken and mix until well combined. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese grated on top if desired.
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Really good. My husband and I loved this dish and so easy to prepare!
★★★★★
Thanks Brenda!
I really liked this recipe! I added fresh lemon juice before serving.
★★★★★
Great idea Mehgan!
Way too much lemon juice and zest. In the end the dish tasted like it’s already gone bad 🙁
★
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback K. We’re sorry you were disappointed in the recipe.
I have made this several times & love it! I did make a few changes after reading the other reviews….I agree the zest of 1 lemon is good for me. Also to mix it up, I sometimes use fresh goat cheese instead & it’s delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jenna – sounds like some great variations!
Loved it except too much lemon by the recipe. I only used the zest of one and the juice, it was overpowering, and I LOVE lemon. Next time I’d just use the zest of one lemon, and test before adding juice to taste.
Thanks for your feedback Mikell!
I loved this meal! The only thing I would do next time is only do the zest of one lemon and add parsley. All in all an excellent meal for my family! Thank you.
Thanks Laura!
Just made this and it is DELICIOUS! Made it without the chicken but added garlic and cherry tomatoes. Perfection!
Sounds like a delicious variation Jenn! Thanks for writing to us!
I love couscous, but I never know exactly what to do with it 🙂 This recipe looks delicious!!
Thanks Lisa!
What a wonderful recipe to share with us. I plan to try it tonight! Thanks for posting this on the OBC Friday Pin Party. Deb@ Kneaded Creations
Thanks Debbie! Hope you enjoy it!
I love hearty meals like this!
Thanks Kristi!!