Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. This warm salad, which can also be enjoyed cold, features spiced chicken that is seasoned with a variety of aromatic spices. Combined with chili-flecked couscous, creamy hummus, and crispy paprika-fried chickpeas, this bowl offers an explosion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices like cumin and coriander gives the chicken an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm as a hearty meal or chilled for a light lunch option.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and chickpeas, plus fresh veggies for added nutrients.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large griddle or frying pan
• Small frying pan
• Jug or bowl for couscous
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large griddle or frying pan: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and achieving that perfect sear.
• Small frying pan: Ideal for quickly frying chickpeas to add crunch without much effort.

Ingredients

Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl – A filling and nutritious warm salad (you can serve it cold too!). Spiced chicken seasoned with cumin, sumac, garlic, cinnamon, coriander and a few other goodies, chilli-flecked couscous, hummus and paprika-fried chickpeas. So gooood!

For the Chicken

• 500 g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast (chopped into bite size chunks)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves (peeled and minced)
• 1 tsp sumac
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil

For the Couscous

• 150 g (3/4 cups) uncooked couscous
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) boiling water

For the Chickpeas

• 400 g (14 oz) tin chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Salad Bowl

• 80 g (2 packed cups) mixed baby salad leaves
• 2 flatbreads (toasted/griddled and sliced into quarters)
• 4 heaped tbsp hummus
• 2 spring onions (sliced into thin strips)
• 4 radishes (thinly sliced)
• 12 cherry/grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chopped chicken in a bowl with the black pepper, salt, 1 tsp of cumin, cinnamon, ground coriander, paprika, lemon juice, 3 crushed garlic cloves, sumac, and all but 1 tsp of olive oil. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

When ready to cook, heat a large griddle or frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the dry pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes while turning occasionally until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.

Step 3: Prepare the Couscous

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the couscous. In a large jug or bowl, combine the uncooked couscous with a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon zest, remaining crushed garlic clove, and a pinch of chilli flakes. Pour in boiling water over this mixture. Stir well, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Step 4: Fry the Chickpeas

In a small frying pan over high heat, add the remaining olive oil along with drained chickpeas. Sprinkle in the remaining cumin along with smoked paprika and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring regularly for about 5 minutes until warmed through and slightly golden.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Now it’s time to assemble your nourish bowls! Divide fluffed couscous evenly among four bowls. On top of each serving add mixed salad leaves followed by fried chickpeas and flatbread slices. Place cooked chicken on top then spoon on hummus generously. Finish by sprinkling sliced spring onions along with radishes and halved cherry tomatoes over each bowl. Add a pinch of chilli flakes if desired along with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delightful Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl!

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

Serving the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl is all about variety and presentation. This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Individual Bowls

• Each guest receives their own bowl filled with couscous, chicken, and toppings. This allows everyone to customize their bowl according to their taste.

Family Style

• Serve the components separately on a large platter. This lets guests build their bowls, choosing how much of each ingredient they want.

Meal Prep Containers

• For those on the go, pack the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl in meal prep containers. It’s perfect for lunch at work or school, keeping everything fresh and ready to eat.

Add Extra Toppings

• Consider adding extra toppings like avocado slices or feta cheese for added creaminess and flavor. These additions can elevate the dish even further.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness. This enhances both visual appeal and flavor profile.

How to Perfect Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

Making the perfect Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl is about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips for a delicious result every time.

• Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours intensifies its flavor and makes it more tender.
• Fluff the Couscous: After letting the couscous sit, fluff it with a fork to avoid clumping and ensure an even texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will bring vibrant flavors and colors to your bowl, making it more appealing.
• Experiment with Dressings: A drizzle of tahini or yogurt dressing can add creaminess and depth to your nourish bowl.
• Serve Immediately: For best texture, serve your nourish bowl right after assembling while everything is still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this nutritious dish well.

1. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in lemon juice adds a refreshing crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini bring warmth and heartiness.
3. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and herbs offers additional protein and texture.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn complements the spicy flavors with its natural sweetness.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread slices provide a delightful contrast to the soft components of the nourish bowl.
6. Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits adds a sweet touch that balances out spiciness.
7. Lentil Soup: A small bowl of lentil soup serves as a hearty starter before diving into your main dish.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and veggies make for a filling side that resonates well with Mediterranean flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl from good to great.

• Ignoring marination time: Skipping the marination means missing out on flavors. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour for the best taste.
• Overcooking chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for 6-8 minutes, checking that it’s no longer pink inside.
• Not fluffing couscous: If you skip fluffing, the couscous can become clumpy. Use a fork to gently separate it after it sits.
• Using stale spices: Old spices lose potency and flavor. Always check your spices for freshness before use, especially cumin and paprika.
• Neglecting garnishes: Missing out on garnishes makes the dish less appealing. Fresh herbs and veggies add color and flavor; don’t skip them!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Best used within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl.

Can I serve the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl cold?

Yes! This bowl is versatile and delicious whether served warm or cold.

What can I substitute for chicken in the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl?

You can use turkey, beef, or lamb as alternatives, depending on your preference.

How do I customize my Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or switch up the grains with quinoa or farro.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

The Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it both filling and nutritious. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it warm or cold, this dish is sure to impress!