Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Broccoli Couscous

Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Broccoli Couscous is a wholesome dish that combines citrus fruit’s bright, zesty flavors with the aromatic freshness of herbs, creating a comforting and vibrant meal. This dish features succulent, marinated chicken pieces roasted to perfection alongside a nutrient-rich broccoli couscous, making it a balanced and satisfying option for any dinner table.

The star of this dish is the Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken. The preparation begins with splitting a whole chicken into individual pieces, allowing for more even cooking and ensuring that each piece absorbs the maximum amount of flavor from the marinade. The marinade is a fragrant blend of lemon, lime, and orange juices combined with minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a trio of fresh herbs: basil, oregano, and thyme. 

This combination infuses the chicken with a vibrant citrus aroma and a depth of flavor that is both refreshing and savory. The citrus juices’ acidity helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and succulent, while the herbs add a delightful earthy undertone.

The roasting process cooks the chicken perfectly and creates a beautiful caramelization of the marinade on the chicken skin, enhancing the overall flavor. Basting the chicken with the reserved marinade throughout cooking ensures it remains moist and flavorful.

Accompanying the chicken is a delicious and healthy broccoli couscous. This side dish begins with cooking couscous in chicken broth, which imparts a rich, savory flavor to the tiny pasta grains.

Fresh broccoli florets are steamed or blanched until tender, preserving their bright green color and nutritional value. These are combined with sautéed garlic and red bell pepper, which add sweetness and a subtle crunch. The red bell pepper complements the broccoli and adds a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

The couscous is mixed with broccoli, garlic, and bell pepper and drizzled with lemon juice and zest to bring everything together. This citrus addition echoes the flavors of the roasted chicken, creating a harmonious balance between the main dish and the side. Freshly chopped parsley is stirred in to add a burst of freshness and color.

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The roasted chicken pieces are arranged alongside a generous serving of this broccoli couscous, creating a plate that is as appealing visually as it is delicious. Garnishing the dish with extra citrus slices and fresh herbs enhances the presentation and allows diners to add an extra burst of citrus if desired.

Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Broccoli Couscous is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create an elegant and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken with the light, nutrient-packed couscous makes this dish ideal for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any occasion you want to impress with a wholesome meal. The bright citrus flavors, aromatic herbs, and the hearty goodness of the couscous ensure that this dish will be a favorite for all who try it.

Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Broccoli Couscous

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

2

hours 

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Total time

4

hours 

Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Broccoli Couscous is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken pieces roasted to perfection alongside a light and nutritious couscous mixed with broccoli, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs. .

Ingredients

• For the Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken

• 1 whole chicken, split into pieces

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 orange, juiced

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon basil, freshly chopped

• 1 tablespoon oregano, freshly chopped

• 1 tablespoon thyme, freshly chopped

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• For the Broccoli Couscous

• 1 cup couscous

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Marinade:
  Combine the lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, chopped basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl or blender. Blend until smooth or, if using a bowl, mix well.
• Marinate the Chicken:
  Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
• Preheat Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roast the Chicken:
  Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Reserve any remaining marinade. Roast in the oven for 1 hour until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes.
• Prepare the Broccoli:
  While the chicken is roasting, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
• Cook the Couscous:
  Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
• Sauté the Garlic and Bell Pepper:
  Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is tender, 3-4 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients for Couscous:
  Mix the cooked couscous with the steamed broccoli, sautéed garlic and bell pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Rest the Chicken:
  Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Serve:
  Spoon the broccoli couscous onto a serving platter. Serve with a portion of the citrus herb roasted chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs and a slice of citrus, if desired.