One Pot Curried Chicken and Carrot Couscous

This easy one pot curried chicken and carrot couscous is the perfect baby and kid-friendly 30 minute meal that continues to taste better with time. Serve on its own or as a healthy side dish to just about anything! It's the perfect busy weeknight meal made with simple pantry staples.

What is Couscous?

While it looks like a grain, it's actually a pasta! It is made from coarsely-ground durum wheat semolina.

If this is not one of your pantry staples, I hope this post convinces you to grab some on your next grocery run. Couscous cooks up so fast that it's a great alternative to rice, barley, and other types of grains and pasta.

It has a neutral, slightly nutty taste so it lends itself very well to a wide variety of dishes. Texture wise, it's light and fluffy, making it great for babies!

There are many varieties. What you will most commonly find is the Moroccan or Israeli (pearl) couscous. The latter is much larger in size compared to the others.

Whatever variety you find, try to look for a whole wheat version. Extra fiber, protein, and micronutrients like iron, are great for our kids as well as adults.

Related: Pizza Casserole with Couscous

Ingredients

• Poultry will work better than red meat. Dice the chicken into small pieces so it will cook up fast and make it easy for your baby or toddler to manage. You can also use ground chicken or turkey.
• No meat? If you want to make it vegetarian, chickpeas or white beans would work well! Add it along with the liquids.
• Lemon - This is a MUST ingredient. If you don’t have it, wait until you can get your hands on it. It really brightens the whole dish and adds that je ne sais quoi factor. If you'd like an extra zing, add some grated lemon zest too!
• Broth: feel free to use whatever broth you wish.
• Tomatoes: Help aid in the absorption of iron, which is super important for babies! 
• Optional toppings suggestions:
  • Cheese - feta or parmesan pairs best!
  • Nuts - almonds or walnuts (finely chopped or ground for babies as they're a choking hazard)
  • Dried fruits - raisins, cranberries, dates (finely chopped for babies)

Step By Step Instructions

1. Cook onion and carrots. Then add garlic and seasonings.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 8-10 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork and squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add zest (optional). Serve with fresh herbs and any of the suggested toppings.

Serving Suggestions

While it’s delicious when enjoyed on the same day, the flavors really start to deepen and enhance over time. So if able, plan ahead and make this at least several hours prior to eating.

You can enjoy this warm or cold.

As mentioned earlier, lemon juice is everything! You can also grate in some lemon zest for that extra punch of brightness.

And as another reminder, if adding nuts and/or fruits, be sure to chop finely for babies as they are choking hazards.

Storage Suggestions

Fridge: transfer to a closed container for 3-5 days.

Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Will keep for up to 3 months.

Here’s everything you need to know to safely store leftovers!

Other One Pot Baby/Toddler Meals

• Healthy Family Pantry Meals
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Korean beef and broccoli quinoa
• Instant Pot Korean chicken and potatoes
• Cheesy Vegetarian Orzo Primavera

Did you make this baby and toddler-friendly One Pot Curried Chicken and Carrot Couscous? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you’re making!