Chicken and Couscous with Cucumber Bowl

Chicken and Couscous with Cucumber Bowl. This chicken and couscous with cucumber is one of those simple meals yielding a flavorful meal that does not feel heavy after eating. I air-fried the chicken thigh so it is not oily, and boy, the skin is crispy. So, I am sharing it with you. You need simple ingredients: chicken thigh bone, onion and garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and lemon. Marinate this overnight, and after you come home from work, simply air fry it for thirty-five minutes. While the chicken is cooking, cook the couscous and make the simple cucumber salad made of cucumber, parsley, sesame oil, and salt. Guys, this is simple but so good. It’s perfect for pack lunches, too. Enjoy this budget-friendly meal.

Chicken and Couscous with Cucumber Bowl

Nothing beats preparing chicken as the best alternative for simple and cheap meals. Although prices have skyrocketed lately, chicken is a meal that stays cheap compared to other meat. Lately, in my quest to save money to pay off our house, I have always been looking for any sale I can find.
We have also stopped eating out, so I find myself busy after work preparing meals in advance. To maintain my sanity, I try to make quick meals. Some easy and affordable recipes I’ve shared on my blog include Easy Fried Breaded Chicken Tenders, Spicy and Simple Asian Cucumber Salad, How to Pressure Cook a Whole Chicken, and Air Fryer Chicken Quarters. I’m also participating in the “Pantry Challenge,” where I check the pantry and freezer for ingredients and then base my menu on what I find.

Ingredients

Below is the list of ingredients for this meal today. I already had some ingredients available, so this meal cost me about $7.00. It’s not cheap, I know, but it’s still okay since we had some leftovers packed for lunch the next day.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are a versatile cut of poultry perfect for absorbing marinades and spices. Their tender meat stays moist during cooking, making them a go-to choice for rich, savory dishes.
• Dried Thyme Leaves: A classic herb with earthy, slightly minty undertones, dried thyme adds depth to dishes. It pairs beautifully with poultry, enhancing the natural flavors with its aromatic warmth.
• Dried Oregano-Oregano brings a bold, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of bitterness. Often associated with Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, this herb is a staple seasoning for meats and vegetables.

• Onion and Garlic Powder-Convenient and packed with concentrated flavor, onion, and garlic powders offer a savory base to any dish. These pantry staples blend seamlessly, delivering subtle sweetness and spicy, garlicky notes.
• Bright and tangy, Lemons are the ultimate ingredients for adding freshness and a zesty kick. Their juice and zest elevate the flavor profile of savory dishes, balancing out rich or earthy elements.
• Salt and paprika—A universal flavor enhancer, salt brings out the natural taste of ingredients. It’s a critical seasoning for balancing flavors and tying everything together.
• Cucumber-Cool is crisp and refreshing, and cucumbers add a light crunch and subtle sweetness. They’re often used in salads or as a fresh garnish to balance heavier, spiced dishes.
• Parsley- This vibrant green herb is mild and slightly peppery, making it a perfect finishing touch. It adds a pop of color and freshness to elevate any recipe.
• Oil

Variations

• Vegetable- change the cucumber to your favorite vegetables and season according to your liking.
• Couscous- you can use your favorite grain like white or brown rice, lentil, or barley.y
• Marinate- marinate the chicken thigh however you like it.

How to Make it

• Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thigh in a large bowl, add the ingredients, and coat the chicken with the marinade. Cover and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
• Cook the Couscous: Put one cup of water in a pot. Add roasted sesame oil and salt. Let it boil, and then add the couscous. Stir for thirty seconds, then turn off the heat. Please leave it in the pot to fluff.
• Cook the Chicken Thigh in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken thigh in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 365 F, and cook for 35 minutes.

How do You Store

I cooked this meal just enough for dinner and lunch for my husband and me, so there are not many leftovers. I did put the chicken in a container and refrigerated it.