dinner

Slow-Braised Chicken Thighs with Saffron-Infused Israeli Couscous and Toasted Almonds

Name: Slow-Braised Chicken Thighs with Saffron-Infused Israeli Couscous and Toasted Almonds
Ingredients: 5.6 oz (170 g) Boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 0.5 tsp Kosher salt; 0.2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground; 0.9 tbsp (14 ml) Extra virgin olive oil; 0.5 cup (80 g) Yellow onion, small, finely diced; 1.9 cloves (6 g) Garlic, minced; 0.9 tsp (3 g) Fresh ginger, grated; 2.5 tsp Ground cumin; 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric; 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika; 0.9 (2 g) Cinnamon stick; 0.5 cup (120 g) Diced tomatoes, canned (no salt added); 2.8 (18 g) Dried apricots, halved; 5 cup (240 ml) Chicken broth, low sodium; 0.9 pinch (0.05 g) Saffron threads; 0.5 cup dry (85 g) Israeli couscous (pearl couscous); 0.9 tbsp (15 ml) Lemon, fresh juice; 1.9 tbsp (8 g) Fresh parsley, chopped; 5 tbsp (7 g) Slivered almonds, toasted

Nutrition

924

kcal

Calories

Protein

117

Carbs

Fat

AI Insight

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Ingredients(19)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs5.6 oz (170 g)

Kosher salt0.5 tsp

Black pepper, freshly ground0.2 tsp

Extra virgin olive oil0.9 tbsp (14 ml)

Yellow onion, small, finely diced0.5 cup (80 g)

Garlic, minced1.9 cloves (6 g)

Fresh ginger, grated0.9 tsp (3 g)

Ground cumin2.5 tsp

Ground turmeric0.5 tsp

Smoked paprika0.5 tsp

Cinnamon stick0.9 (2 g)

Diced tomatoes, canned (no salt added)0.5 cup (120 g)

Dried apricots, halved2.8 (18 g)

Chicken broth, low sodium5 cup (240 ml)

Saffron threads0.9 pinch (0.05 g)

Israeli couscous (pearl couscous)0.5 cup dry (85 g)

Lemon, fresh juice0.9 tbsp (15 ml)

Fresh parsley, chopped1.9 tbsp (8 g)

Slivered almonds, toasted5 tbsp (7 g)

Instructions

Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is crucial for developing a golden-brown crust.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a deep, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and caramelized. The chicken won't be cooked through at this point, but you're building foundational flavor. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, taking on a light golden hue. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.

Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, blooming the spices in the residual fat until their aroma fills your kitchen. Add the cinnamon stick, diced tomatoes, dried apricots, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged.

Cover the pot tightly and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325 deg F (160 deg C). Braise for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender and pulls apart easily. The sauce should have thickened slightly and the flavors will be beautifully melded.

While the chicken braises, prepare the Israeli couscous. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water or chicken broth with a pinch of saffron threads and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the Israeli couscous. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender but still has a slight chew.

Once the chicken is done, remove the pot from the oven. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the braising liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be rich, savory, and have a pleasant tangy finish.

To serve, spoon a generous portion of the saffron-infused Israeli couscous onto a plate. Top with a tender braised chicken thigh and spoon plenty of the aromatic tomato-apricot sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds for crunch and a final flourish of fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting, deeply flavorful dish immediately.