June 27, 2026 · 10 min

Harissa Chicken and Couscous Bowls with Roasted Veggies and Pickled Onion

Dinner10 min1020 cal / serving

These shawarma-inspired bowls are packed with warm, aromatic spices and vibrant textures. Tender chicken and chickpeas are roasted with a fragrant shawarma spice blend, alongside sweet carrots and bell pepper. The fluffy Israeli couscous gets a fruity twist with chopped dried apricots, while quick-pickled red onion adds a bright, tangy crunch.

A dollop of harissa yogurt sauce brings creamy, smoky heat that ties everything together. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but comes together on a weeknight.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min1020 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1020 kcalProtein45.7 gFat62.3 gCarbs67.9 gSugar20.7 gFiber10.6 gSodium4424 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Carrot9 ounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Red Onion1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guide
Chickpeas1 unit ChickpeasView ingredient guide
Israeli Couscous0.5 cup Israeli CouscousView ingredient guide
Sour Cream2 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Yogurt2 tablespoon YogurtView ingredient guide
Dried Apricots1 ounce Dried ApricotsView ingredient guide
Harissa Powder1 tablespoon Harissa PowderView ingredient guide
Chicken Cutlets10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guide
Bell Pepper1 unit Bell PepperView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the shawarma spice blend, garlic powder and harissa powder. Set aside.
  3. On the prepared baking sheet, toss the carrots, bell pepper strips and half of the sliced red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the spice mixture and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the remaining sliced red onion with the juice of half the lemon and a pinch of salt. Set aside to quick-pickle.
  5. After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet. Add the chickpeas and chicken cutlets to the sheet, sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture and toss everything together. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  6. While the chicken roasts, cook the couscous: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water and the veggie stock concentrate to a boil. Stir in the couscous and chopped apricots, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork.
  7. Make the harissa yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sour cream and remaining lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. To serve, divide the couscous among bowls. Top with the roasted vegetables, chickpeas and sliced chicken. Garnish with pickled onion and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with harissa yogurt sauce.

Recipe Tips

For extra crispy chicken, pat the cutlets dry before seasoning.

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the harissa powder to 1/2 tablespoon.

Leftover pickled onion keeps in the fridge for up to a week and is great on sandwiches or salads.

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp or even more chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of Israeli couscous?

Regular couscous, quinoa or rice work well. If using regular couscous, follow package instructions and skip the stock concentrate or add it to the cooking water.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

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