Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and satisfying dish! Fluffy basil-infused couscous serves as the perfect base for crispy fried chicken, tender steamed broccoli, and juicy baked cherry tomatoes. Drizzled with olive oil for a finishing touch, this meal is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Preparation time ⏰:
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the Basil Couscous:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (hot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into portions
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Chicken Garnish:
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves for decoration
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Prepare the Couscous:
- In a medium bowl, combine couscous and olive oil. Stir to coat the grains.
- Pour hot chicken or vegetable broth over the couscous. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Steam the Broccoli to Chicken:
- Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over the boiling water.
- Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
Bake the Cherry Tomatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered.
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
- Season the meat portions with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken portion in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble and Serve Chicken:
- Plate a portion of basil couscous, add a few pieces of fried chicken, and arrange steamed broccoli and baked cherry tomatoes on the side.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately!
Serving Tip 💡:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a glass of chilled white wine. For extra flavor, sprinkle the meat with grated Parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika before serving.
