A Family That Eats Together: Quick Oven Roasted Chicken with Garlicky Spinach and Couscous

Marin Mommies presents this week's guest recipe from Nicole Cibellis, Marin mom and author of the blog A Family that Eats Together, where she shares meal plans and recipes that will please foodies and children alike. Nicole is also the creator of the new Little Froglet line of children's activewear.

Nicole's meal plan for this week features vegetarian asparagus carbonara, kheema matar curry, tortellini salad, and this quick oven-roasted chicken garlicky spinach and couscous.

What is great about this recipe is how easy it is to make and how amazing it tastes. With some readily available inexpensive ingredients, you can wow your whole family or friends with this healthy and delicious meal.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 5 minutes to overnight (whichever you choose)
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

for the chicken

• 4 chicken thighs, with bones and skin on
• zest of one lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh thyme
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp crumbled feta cheese

for the spinach

• 1 bag (6 cups) fresh baby spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

for the couscous

• 2 cups Israeli couscous (any couscous can be substituted for the Israeli couscous if you can’t find it)
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups water or chicken stock

Directions

1. Combine the zest, garlic , thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Gently lift up the skin of the chicken and place ¼ of the mixture under the skin of each chicken until all the mixture is gone. Set aside until you are ready to cook them or overnight for the following night's dinner.
2. When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425F. Place chicken in a baking dish and then into the oven. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is lightly browned and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and let rest until the rest of the meal is ready.
3. Prepare the couscous per the package instructions.
4. While the couscous is being made. Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds being careful to not let it brown. Add spinach and let it cook down until it is lightly wilted. I prefer my spinach to be lightly wilted than to be overly cooked down.
5. Plate the couscous then the spinach. Place the chicken on top and serve. Garnish with feta.