Comfort in a Bowl: Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is a warm, simple dish that feels like comfort in a bowl.

Introduction to Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is an easy meal you can make any night.
It mixes small couscous pearls, diced chicken, and soft veg in a light broth for a gentle, filling soup.
If you like quick soups, try another simple option like this easy tortellini soup with spinach.

Why make this Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup cooks fast and uses few ingredients.
It is hearty but not heavy, so it works for lunch or dinner.
Pair it with a cool drink for balance, such as these hydrating summer smoothies.

How to make Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup comes together in a single pot.
Sauté the veg, add garlic and chicken, then pour in broth and couscous.
Simmer until the pearls are soft and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients for Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions for Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

• In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the diced chicken and cook until browned.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Stir in the pearl couscous and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes or until couscous is tender.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to serve Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Serve Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup hot in deep bowls.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
For a full meal, enjoy with simple sides and try topping a cold drink or snack with ideas from healthy smoothie dish toppings.

How to store Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing.
Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it feels thick.

Tips to make Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

• Use bite-size chicken for even cooking.
• Brown the chicken lightly for more flavor.
• Watch the couscous near the end so it stays tender, not mushy.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.

Variation for Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

• Swap chicken for cooked chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based version.
• Add greens like spinach in the last minute for color and vitamins.
• For more plant choices, see sources for plant protein like this guide on plant-based protein options.

FAQs about Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Q: Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?
A: You can, but regular couscous cooks faster and will make a different texture.

Q: How do I keep the chicken moist in Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup?
A: Cut the chicken into even pieces and do not overcook. Simmer gently until done.

Q: Where can I buy pearl couscous?
A: You can find pearl couscous online. Buy it here.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup?
A: Yes, but couscous can change texture after freezing. Freeze without couscous, then cook fresh couscous when you reheat.

Garlic Meatball and Herb Rice Skillet

A simple one-pan meal featuring browned meatballs, rice, peas, and herbs, perfect for a quick and cozy dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey Use a mix for milder flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons dried herbs thyme, oregano, or basil

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup rice white or brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen peas or fresh peas
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

Garnish

• fresh herbs such as parsley or basil

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• In a bowl, mix ground meat with salt, pepper, and herbs. Form into meatballs.
• Brown meatballs in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove meatballs and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
• Add rice and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Return meatballs to the skillet, add peas, cover, and reduce heat to low.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

Cool the skillet to room temperature, then store in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword Easy Dinner, Garlic Meatball, One-Pan Dinner, Rice Dish, Skillet Meal

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

A warm and hearty soup mixing pearl couscous, diced chicken, and vegetables in a light broth, perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced Use bite-size.
• 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 pieces carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Cooking

• In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
• Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the diced chicken and cook until browned.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Stir in the pearl couscous and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes or until couscous is tender.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it feels thick. For variations, replace chicken with chickpeas or add greens like spinach.

Keyword Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Couscous Soup, Easy Dinner, One-Pot Meal