Comfort in a Bowl: Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

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Golden broth, tender shredded chicken, and pearl couscous nestled among herbs and vegetables—this Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is the kind of meal that soothes the soul and fills the belly. It’s hearty yet not heavy, rich in flavor without being overly complex, and it brings that home-cooked warmth we all crave. The pearl couscous gives it a slightly chewy texture that’s both satisfying and unique, while the fresh dill elevates every spoonful with its delicate brightness.

Whether you’re curled up on a rainy day, nursing a cold, or just craving a bowl of something nourishing and familiar, this soup delivers. It’s the kind of dish that bridges generations—your grandmother might have made something similar, but with this version, you get a modern touch that’s weeknight-friendly and batch-cook approved.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

• It’s fast and comforting. You get the deep flavor of slow-simmered soup in under an hour.
• Pearl couscous adds a gourmet touch. Bigger than regular couscous, it brings texture and substance to every bite.
• Flexible ingredients. Add extra veggies or swap the chicken with turkey—easy to customize.
• Kid-approved, adult-adored. Mild, flavorful, and nourishing for everyone at the table.
• Meal prep heaven. Makes a large pot, stores beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Why They Matter)

To make Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup effortlessly and efficiently, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is your soup’s foundation. It distributes heat evenly, preventing any burning on the bottom and helping the flavors develop beautifully as everything simmers together.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Prepping vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions quickly and uniformly ensures even cooking and better flavor infusion.
• Cutting Board: Use a large, non-slip board to chop safely and avoid transferring raw chicken juices to other ingredients.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Handy for removing the chicken mid-cooking to shred it before returning it to the pot.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for sautéing veggies and stirring without scratching your pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring of couscous, broth, and seasoning keeps the flavor balanced every time.

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Preparation Tips

• Mise en place is your friend. Dice your vegetables, measure your seasonings, and have your broth and couscous ready before you start. It streamlines the process and reduces mid-cook scrambling.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds deep flavor.
• Don’t skip the sauté. Cooking your onions, carrots, and celery before adding broth builds a savory base layer that makes this soup shine.
• Let the soup rest before serving. After the final simmer, give it 5–10 minutes off the heat. This helps the couscous finish cooking and allows the flavors to settle and meld.
• Season gradually. Start with a little salt and adjust as needed after the chicken is added back in—especially if using store-bought broth.

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Ingredients for This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting bowl of soup to life. The ingredient list is straightforward, wholesome, and easy to find at any grocery store:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – builds the flavor base
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced – adds sweetness and color
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – brings aromatic depth
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – enhances the savory notes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – for earthy, comforting flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds herbal balance
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional) – gives a warm color and subtle depth
• 6 cups chicken broth – homemade or store-bought, low-sodium preferred
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – rotisserie or poached
• 3/4 cup pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) – chewy and filling
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste – always taste and adjust
• Juice of half a lemon – adds brightness
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill – for that finishing burst of fresh flavor
• Optional: red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce – if you like a little heat

These ingredients combine to create a soul-soothing soup that’s rich, aromatic, and wonderfully textured thanks to the couscous and tender chicken.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

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Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and turmeric (if using). Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This step helps release the oils in the spices and intensifies the flavor base.

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Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to begin melding.

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Step 4: Add Chicken and Couscous

Stir in the shredded chicken and pearl couscous. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the couscous from sticking to the bottom.

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Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Add lemon juice for brightness and stir in the fresh chopped dill just before serving. Let the soup sit off heat for 5 minutes to settle and thicken slightly.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and garnish with more dill or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm with your favorite side—crusty bread is a great match.

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Notes

• Use homemade broth if possible. It gives the soup a richer, more developed flavor, though quality store-bought broth works great in a pinch.
• Make it gluten-free. Substitute pearl couscous with small gluten-free pasta like rice-shaped pasta or even cooked rice.
• Boost the veggies. Add spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the couscous: Pearl couscous cooks quickly—about 10–12 minutes. Overcooking can make it mushy and thicken the soup more than intended. Keep an eye on it and taste for doneness.
• Adding lemon juice too early: Lemon should be stirred in at the end. Adding it while simmering can dull its brightness and cause a slight bitterness.
• Forgetting to adjust salt at the end: Between broth and chicken, salt levels vary. Always taste after adding the chicken and couscous to avoid an overly salty or under-seasoned soup.
• Not stirring during couscous cooking: Pearl couscous can settle at the bottom and stick if left unstirred. Gentle stirring ensures even cooking and texture.
• Using under-seasoned broth: If your broth is bland, the whole soup will fall flat. Taste the broth early and enhance it with herbs or garlic if needed.

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What to Serve With Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup?

A warm bowl of this soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side can turn it into a truly complete meal. Whether you’re going light or hearty, here are some winning combinations:

8 Recommendations

1. Crusty Artisan Bread
   A thick slice of sourdough or country loaf is perfect for dipping into the broth and soaking up all those cozy flavors.
2. Simple Green Salad
   Toss together arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh and tangy contrast.
3. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
   Crispy, buttery, and flavorful—these are always a hit alongside soups.
4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
   Pair with a melty, toasty grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort food combo.
5. Roasted Vegetables
   A tray of oven-roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts adds color and depth to your table.
6. Savory Muffins
   Cheddar-chive or spinach-feta muffins are a savory, filling addition that complement the soup’s flavor.
7. Hummus and Pita Chips
   For a Mediterranean twist, serve a small hummus plate with crispy pita chips or warm pita bread.
8. Pickled Veggies or Olives
   Add a little tang and crunch with a small side of pickled vegetables or marinated olives.

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Storage Instructions

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable bags (lay flat for easy stacking). It’s best consumed within 2–3 months.
• Reheating Tips:
  • Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen if the couscous has thickened the soup too much.
  • Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Note: Couscous may absorb more liquid over time, so don’t hesitate to refresh the consistency with extra broth before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 680mg (depends on broth used)
• Sugar: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g

This is a balanced, protein-rich meal with good fats and comforting carbs—perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular couscous instead of pearl couscous?

Pearl couscous is preferred for its chewy texture, but if you only have regular couscous, you can substitute it. Just add it at the very end, as it cooks in just a few minutes and can turn mushy if overcooked.

2. Is this soup freezer-friendly with the couscous?

Yes, but couscous may continue to absorb liquid and become softer after freezing. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider cooking the couscous separately and adding it fresh when reheating.

3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Easy! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use chickpeas or white beans instead of shredded chicken. The rest of the ingredients stay the same.

4. What’s the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will work. Poaching your own chicken in the broth adds extra flavor, too.

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the vegetables using the “Sauté” function, then add broth, spices, and chicken. Pressure cook for 8 minutes, release, and stir in couscous using the “Sauté” mode until cooked.

6. How do I keep the couscous from getting soggy?

Don’t overcook it, and store the soup separately from the couscous if you’re making it ahead. You can also slightly undercook the couscous before storing to maintain texture.

7. Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s mild, savory, and filled with familiar flavors. You can even blend some of the vegetables if your kids are picky eaters.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely. Zucchini, spinach, kale, peas, or even corn are great additions. Add quick-cooking veggies during the last 5 minutes to keep them vibrant and fresh.

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Conclusion

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is everything you want in a comforting meal—simple to make, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. It delivers rich flavor, balanced texture, and a soothing warmth that makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, chilly days, or when you’re just craving something cozy and homemade.

Whether you serve it solo or alongside some crusty bread or a fresh salad, this soup belongs in your regular rotation. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper.

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