Description
Looking for an easy dinner that’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Chicken and Pearl Couscous Soup is the perfect solution. Made with tender shredded chicken, chewy pearl couscous, and a savory broth infused with garlic, onion, and fresh dill, it’s a quick one-pot meal that delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re in need of quick dinner ideas, a healthy lunch, or cozy fall food ideas, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken, and the texture of pearl couscous makes it extra satisfying.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pearl couscous
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the pearl couscous and stir for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast it.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for 10–12 minutes until the couscous is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the fresh dill just before serving.
8. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using, for added brightness and a subtle kick.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
For best texture, toast the pearl couscous before adding broth—it prevents clumping and adds a nutty flavor.
If storing for later, consider cooking the couscous separately and combining just before serving to avoid it soaking up too much broth.
Add a splash of lemon juice just before serving to enhance the freshness and balance the savory flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: quick dinner, chicken soup, pearl couscous, easy recipe, healthy soup, leftover chicken, cozy meals, one-pot recipes