Lemon Chicken and Mediterranean Couscous

I think I've found the perfect go-to dish. Good hot or cold, simple to make, and impressive enough for company. May I introduce you to Lemon Chicken with Mediterranean Couscous?

********************
Lemon Chicken with Mediterranean Couscous
Adapted from Epicurious.com
Serves 4

For the Chicken:
8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh thyme (about 5 sprigs)
2 garlic cloves, smashed
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices of lemon (1/8-1/4 inch thick)

For the Couscous:
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 garlic cloves, chopped and smashed
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon ground tumeric
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
10 ounces plain couscous
3/4 cup raisins
1 large red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1. Place oven rack in upper third of oven, preheat ot 500 degrees Fahrenheit OR heat grill to high heat.

2. Toss chicken with oil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then transfer to a shallow baking pan OR place on grill.

3. Bake/grill chicken for 10 minutes (if grilling, be sure to turn for even cooking and grill marks), then top each chicken with a slice of lemon. Continue to bake chicken until is it golden and cooked thoroughly (about 15 more minutes, slightly less for grill).

4. In the meantime, bring chicken broth, 1 tablespoon oil, ginger, garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, cinnamon, and cumin to a boil. Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Scatter raisins over the couscous, cover and let stand for about 10 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork, then add red bell pepper, carrot and lemon zest. Whish remaining oil, salt, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add to couscous and toss to coat. Season to taste. Can be made up to one day ahead, just cover, chill, and bring to room temperature before serving.

Original recipes from Epicurious can be found here and here.