Description

Cozy up with this hearty Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup, a nutritious and flavorful meal combining tender chicken, chewy pearl couscous, and fresh vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for cold days or anytime you crave a wholesome bowl, this easy recipe is ready in under an hour and is highly customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper

Soup Base

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

Grains and Herbs

1 cup pearl couscous
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Seasoning

Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute and stir to release its aroma without burning.
Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add fresh thyme sprigs if using. Reduce the heat and let the broth simmer, allowing the vegetables to further soften and infuse the soup with flavor.
Add Pearl Couscous: Once the broth is simmering steadily, stir in the pearl couscous. Cook until the couscous is tender but still has a slight bite, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Combine Chicken and Finish Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well to combine. Add chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.

Notes

Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade chicken broth for a deeper, richer flavor.
Don’t Overcook Couscous: Cook pearl couscous just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
Cook Chicken Separately: Cooking chicken separately helps control tenderness and prevents broth cloudiness.
Add Lemon Last: Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its fresh, bright flavor.
Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce broth slightly or add extra couscous; for thinner, add more broth or water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Chicken soup, pearl couscous soup, hearty soup, easy dinner, comforting soup, healthy chicken recipe