About the Recipe
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!
Under $30! Under 30 minutes! AND dinner for a family of five!
I wanted to see if I could make an affordable, wholesome family dinner using simple ingredients that everyone would actually enjoy. And I’m so happy it turned out exactly how I imagined!
Everything came from Trader Joe’s and my total was $26.94! Of course, you can grab these ingredients wherever you shop. And if you prefer chicken thighs instead of chicken breast, go for it!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
• 2 large chicken breasts, about 1½ lbs
• 16 oz pearl couscous (2 8-oz packages)
• 1 large onion
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups room-temperature water
For the salad:
• ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup sugar plum tomatoes, halved
• 1 English/hothouse cucumber, seeds removed and chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
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Preparation
Directions:
Wash and pat the chicken dry. Cut into large chunks, about 1½ inches. Place in a bowl, add the olive oil and spices, and toss well to coat.
Heat a large 6-quart nonstick pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side.
Peel and slice the onion directly into the pot, or chop it however you prefer. Mix with the chicken and cook briefly until it begins to soften.
Add the pearl couscous and mix everything together. Pour in 3 cups room-temperature water and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the pearl couscous is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Meanwhile, chop the lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and toss well.
Serve it up and watch your family devour it!
PRO TIP: Even if you’re cooking for one or two, make the whole thing. The leftovers are SO good the next day!