Chicken Couscous Tfaya (Moroccan Couscous With Braised Chicken)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (8 ounces; 226 g), diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- Light pinch of saffron threads (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste; for table salt, use half as much by volume
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 1/2 pounds (1.13 Kg) skin-in on, bone-in chicken thighs (alternatively, use bone-in skin on chicken pieces of choice)
- 1 3/4 cup (420 ml) homemade chicken or vegetable stock or store-bought low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small bunch cilantro, stems and leave separated, stems tied into a bundle with kitchen twine and leaves reserved for garnish
For the T'faya Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 2 pounds white or yellow onions (907 g), thinly sliced
- 1 cup raisins (7 ounces; 200 g), soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained (see notes)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) homemade chicken or vegetable stock or store-bought low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, plus more to taste; for table salt use half as much by volume
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 recipe for cooked Simple Fluffy Couscous
- 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (2.5 ounces; 75 g)
- Reserved cilantro leaves from above
Instructions
- 1
For the Chicken: - In a large heavy-bottomed pot or large Dutch oven, heat oil and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Add onions, turmeric, ginger, saffron (if using), salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and mixture is fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.
- 2
For the Chicken: - Add chicken and mix to combine with onions and spices, then add stock or broth and cilantro stem bundle.
- 3
For the Chicken: - Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until chicken registers 175 to 185℉ on an instant-read, about 40 to 45 minutes. Discard cilantro bundle and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 4
For the T'faya Sauce: - Once chicken is simmering on low, in a large skillet, heat oil and butter over medium-low heat until butter is melted and shimmering. Add sliced onions, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and translucent, 15 to 25 minutes.
- 5
For the T'faya Sauce: - Add drained raisins, stock, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, until most of liquid has evaporated and the onions are golden brown and jammy, 15 to 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 6
For Serving: - Place warm cooked couscous on a large serving platter or individual plates, top with chicken and some of the broth, and spoon a generous serving of t'faya sauce over the top. Garnish with toasted sliced almonds and reserved cilantro leaves. Transfer any leftover broth to individual serving bowls and serve on the side.
