Savory Curried Chicken & Couscous Delight

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp of smoky paprika
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 7 ½ tsp of aromatic curry powder
• 4 ½ tsp of onion powder
• 1 ¼ tsp of salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp of freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp of crushed sage
• A hint of ground ginger for those who prefer it (Optional)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup of rich chicken broth
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil
• 1 whole chicken weighing 2 1/2 pounds, rinsed and dried gently
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp of creamy butter
• 2 ¼ cups of uncooked couscous
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp smoky paprika
• ½ tsp of rubbed sage
• ¼ tsp of garlic powder
• 1 fragrant bay leaf

Step 1

To start preparing this delightful dish, preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), creating the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2

In a burst of creativity, mix together a flavorful concoction in a small bowl. Blend 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika, some chili powder, a generous 7 1/2 teaspoons of curry powder, 4 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder, a pinch of salt, a dash of garlic powder, some black pepper for a kick, a hint of sage, and a touch of ginger. Add in 2 tablespoons of zesty lemon juice, a splash of chicken broth, and a drizzle of vegetable oil, stirring until a paste forms.

Step 3

Get hands-on with the chicken by spreading a bit of the paste inside its cavity, then generously massaging the rest all over the bird, ensuring to tuck some under the skin for extra flavor. If you're feeling fancy, truss the chicken before placing it on a roasting pan.

Step 4

Let the magic happen in the oven as you roast the chicken until it's perfectly cooked through, approximately 90 minutes. For precision, ensure a meat thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 5

As the chicken works its flavorful magic, prepare a scrumptious side dish. Bring a cup of chicken broth and water to a boil in a large saucepan with some butter and lemon juice. In a separate bowl, mix together couscous, curry powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, garlic powder, and a bay leaf. Stir the couscous into the boiling liquid, cook for 3 minutes, then cover and let it sit, keeping warm until the chicken is ready to serve.