Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous

  Chicken & Turkey

If you can find preserved lemons, try them instead of the plain lemons for an even more authentic flavor in this North African-inspired recipe.

Lemon-Roasted Chicken with Olive Couscous

Average Rating: 4

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 1-1/2 hours + standing
YIELD: 8 servings (4 cups couscous).

Ingredients

  • 1 roasting chicken (5 to 6 pounds)
  • 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • OLIVE COUSCOUS:
  • 1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted green olives
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts

Instructions

  • 1. Place chicken on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up.
  • 2. Tuck wings under chicken; tie drumsticks together.
  • 3. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the chicken breast; place lemon slices and fennel under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks. Rub skin with oil; sprinkle with pepper and salt.
  • 4. Roast at 350° for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Remove chicken from the oven; cover loosely with foil and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.
  • 5. Meanwhile, prepare couscous according to package directions, adding thyme and salt to water before heating. Stir in olives and pine nuts during the last minute of cooking. Serve with chicken.

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