December warehouse sale: up to 40% off!

Free Returns: Not into it? We'll give you a full refund and shipping’s on us.

Couscous with Lemon, Chicken, and Dates

Couscous with Lemon, Chicken, and Dates made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring fluffy couscous mixed with tender chicken, sweet dates, and a hint of lemon.
Couscous with Lemon, Chicken, and Dates
PT10M PT8M

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

8-9 mins

Free Time

to take the dog for an extra lap around the block

Cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, lemon, and dates give this fragrant chicken its complex spiced, fruity flavor. We pair it with fluffy couscous, a North African pasta made from semolina. Top with fresh cilantro and pomegranate seeds to elevate it into a fancy-occasion-worthy meal.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Meat, One Dish Meals, Rice & Grains, Chicken Drumsticks/Thighs, Couscous, Dates, Mediterranean, Deep Dish Meat, One Dish Meals, Rice & Grains

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ½ lb (225g) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground 
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground 
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes 
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin, ground 
  • black pepper, to taste 
  • salt, to taste 
  • ½ medium shallot, finely chopped 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • ½ cup (85g) Moroccan couscous (not pearled couscous, which takes longer to cook) 
  • ¼ cup (35g), about 3-6 dates, pitted and cut into medium dice 
  • 1½ teaspoons lemon juice 
  • ¾ cup (180ml) chicken stock 
  • pomegranate seeds (optional) 
  • cilantro, chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken, cinnamon, turmeric, chili flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate while preparing the rest of the dish.
  2. Place the shallot and oil in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  3. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  4. Add the couscous, chicken stock, dates, and lemon juice to the dish and mix to combine. Place the chicken evenly on top, but do not stir it in. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Fluff the couscous a bit, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and pomegranate seeds to garnish.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Enjoy with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and a light cucumber salad.
  • Try it with shrimp or tofu for a delicious dish.

Recipe notes

  • Make sure to use regular or Morrocan-style couscous and not pearled couscous that needs longer cooking time.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.