Description
This hearty Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup recipe is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal made with tender chicken thighs, pearl couscous, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cold-weather comfort, it’s a healthy and nourishing soup that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup pearl couscous
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Place chicken thighs into the pot, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the pot.
6. Stir in pearl couscous and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until couscous is tender.
7. Add fresh parsley, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg