Couscous with Lemon, Chicken, and Dates

Couscous with Lemon, Chicken, and Dates

Cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, lemon, and dates give this fragrant chicken its complex spiced, fruity flavor. We pair it with fluffy couscous, a North African pasta made from semolina. Top with fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds to elevate it into a fancy-occasion-worthy meal.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

1

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

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Product Size

  • Small Dish
  • Medium Shallow
  • Large Shallow
  • Medium Deep
  • Large Deep

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10-11 mins

Free Time

to take the dog for an extra lap around the block

Ingredients

  • ½ lb (225g) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground 
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground 
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes 
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin, ground 
  • black pepper, to taste 
  • salt, to taste 
  • ½ medium shallot, finely chopped 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • ½ cup (85g) Moroccan couscous (not pearl / Israeli couscous, which takes longer to cook) 
  • ¼ cup (35g), about 3-6 dates, pitted and cut into medium dice 
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice 
  • ¾ cup (180ml) chicken stock 
  • pomegranate seeds (optional) 
  • coriander, chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken, cinnamon, turmeric, chili flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate while preparing the rest of the dish.
  2. Place the shallot and oil in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minute, or until fragrant.
  4. Add the couscous, chicken stock, dates, and lemon juice to the dish and mix to combine. Place the chicken evenly on top, but do not stir it in.
  5. Cover and cook for 9 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the chicken is cooked through. Fluff the couscous a bit, and sprinkle with fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds to garnish.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Enjoy with a dollop of plain greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a light cucumber salad.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.