This cozy Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and vibrant veggies, it’s the perfect comfort meal.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer—perfect for when you’re craving something hearty but want to keep things simple.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for sautéing because it’s healthy and adds a nice flavor. You could substitute with avocado oil or even butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness. If you want a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead. Just keep an eye on seasoning!
Pearl Couscous: This unique pasta adds a lovely texture to the soup. If you can’t find pearl couscous, regular couscous or even small pasta shapes can work as substitutes.
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover cooked chicken or turkey works too! For a vegetarian option, add cooked chickpeas or lentils.
How Do You Make Sure Your Vegetables Are Just Right?
Getting the veggies right is key for a balanced soup. Start by chopping them uniformly so they cook evenly. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots first to soften them up and release their flavors.
- Heat olive oil in your pot before adding the diced onion, celery, and carrots.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened but not browned.
- Add minced garlic at the end to keep it fragrant and fresh.
Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached chicken breast/thigh)
For the Garnish:
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 40 minutes. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to be softened and slightly tender, but not browned.
2. Adding Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your soup!
3. Bringing It All Together:
Pour in the chicken broth next, and toss in the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix nicely.
4. Cooking the Couscous:
Now it’s time to add the pearl couscous. Let the soup continue to simmer for 7-9 minutes, or until the couscous is tender yet still chewy.
5. Adding Chicken:
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, allowing it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures your chicken is warm and flavors the broth beautifully!
6. Final Touches:
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf! Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust it based on your preference.
7. Serving the Soup:
Now, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish it with the chopped fresh dill and parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, add a squeeze of lemon juice on top for an extra burst of freshness.
8. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, nourishing goodness of this Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup! Perfect for any day when you need a little warmth and care.
This soup features tender chunks of chicken alongside fluffy pearl couscous pearls, with fragrant herbs and a medley of diced vegetables in a golden chicken broth. The fresh dill and parsley lend herbaceous notes that brighten the dish. Happy cooking!
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Can I Use Different Types of Broth?
Absolutely! While chicken broth adds great flavor, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even bone broth for extra richness in taste.
What If I Can’t Find Pearl Couscous?
No worries! If pearl couscous isn’t available, you can substitute it with regular couscous, small pasta shapes like orzo, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens up too much, add a bit of water or broth while reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them small and toss them in at the same time as the other veggies to ensure they cook through.