There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup. It’s hearty without being heavy, nourishing yet simple, and filled with familiar flavors that feel like home. Tender chicken, chewy pearl couscous, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth come together to create a soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave a satisfying one-pot meal.

This soup is a beautiful upgrade from classic chicken noodle soup—richer in texture, more filling, and just as comforting.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

This recipe is a favorite for so many reasons:

Hearty and filling without feeling heavy
Comforting and family-friendly
Made with simple, everyday ingredients

Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
One-pot recipe with minimal cleanup
Cozy enough for winter, light enough for year-round

Pearl couscous gives this soup a unique texture that sets it apart from traditional versions.

What Is Pearl Couscous?

Despite its name, pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous or ptitim) is actually a type of toasted pasta, not a grain. It’s made from wheat flour and formed into small, round pearls.

Why Pearl Couscous Works So Well in Soup

Holds its shape beautifully

Adds a satisfying, chewy bite
Absorbs flavor without turning mushy
Makes soup more filling and hearty

It’s the perfect ingredient for turning a simple chicken soup into a complete meal.

How This Soup Differs from Chicken Noodle Soup

While both are comforting classics, chicken & pearl couscous soup has a few key differences:

Feature	Chicken Noodle Soup	Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup
Texture	Soft noodles	Chewy, hearty pearls
Heft	Light	More filling
Mouthfeel	Brothy	Slightly thicker
Flavor	Simple	Deeper, more robust

If you love chicken noodle soup but want something a little more substantial, this recipe is the perfect choice.

Ingredients Overview

This soup is built from wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients.

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Pasta

Pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)

Vegetables

Onion
Carrots
Celery

Garlic

Liquids

Chicken broth or stock

Herbs & Seasonings

Bay leaf

Thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Fresh parsley or dill

Lemon juice or zest
Spinach or kale

Best Chicken for This Soup

Chicken Breast

Lean and mild

Shreds easily
Classic option

Chicken Thighs

Juicier and richer

Adds depth of flavor
Great for longer simmering

Rotisserie Chicken

Time-saving option

Add near the end to avoid overcooking

Any of these options work beautifully depending on your preference.

How to Make Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken & Seasonings

Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and herbs. Stir to coat and lightly sear the chicken.

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add Pearl Couscous

Stir in pearl couscous and simmer until tender but chewy.

Step 7: Finish & Taste

Adjust seasoning and add fresh herbs or lemon juice if desired.

Texture & Flavor Profile

This soup is:

Savory and comforting
Hearty but not heavy

Gently aromatic
Rich with chicken flavor
Balanced with soft vegetables and chewy couscous

Each spoonful feels nourishing and satisfying.

Why This Soup Is So Filling

Pearl couscous absorbs broth as it cooks, thickening the soup slightly and making it more substantial than traditional brothy soups. Combined with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled vegetables, it keeps you full for hours.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Toast pearl couscous lightly before adding for extra flavor

Don’t overcook the couscous—it should stay chewy
Add couscous later if planning leftovers (it absorbs broth)
Season gradually—broth salt levels vary

Finish with fresh herbs for brightness

Delicious Variations

Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup

Add lemon zest and juice at the end for a fresh, bright finish.

Creamy Version

Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk.

Vegetable-Packed

Add zucchini, peas, or spinach.

Mediterranean-Inspired

Add oregano, parsley, and a touch of olive oil drizzle.

Spicy Chicken Couscous Soup

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

What to Serve with Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup

This soup pairs well with:

Crusty bread or rolls
Simple green salad

Roasted vegetables
Grilled cheese or flatbread

It’s filling enough to stand alone but shines with a simple side.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead

Flavor improves overnight
Great for meal prep

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop
Add extra broth as couscous absorbs liquid

Freezing Instructions

Freeze soup without couscous for best texture

Add freshly cooked couscous when reheating
Freeze up to 2 months

This keeps the soup from becoming too thick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking pearl couscous
Adding all couscous too early when meal prepping
Under-seasoning

Boiling too aggressively

Gentle simmering ensures the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pearl couscous gluten-free?

No—it’s made from wheat. Use rice or gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I use regular couscous?

Regular couscous cooks faster and becomes softer; pearl couscous is recommended.

Does this soup thicken over time?

Yes—add more broth when reheating.

Is this good for kids?

Yes—it’s mild, comforting, and very family-friendly.

Why This Recipe Works

This soup works because:

Chicken builds a rich, savory base
Pearl couscous adds texture and substance

Aromatic vegetables create depth
Simple herbs enhance without overpowering

It’s classic comfort food with a slightly elevated twist.

Perfect for Any Season

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is ideal for:

Cozy winter dinners
Transitional spring and fall meals

Light summer lunches
Busy weeknights
Meal prep and leftovers

It’s a year-round recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple—comforting, reliable, and endlessly satisfying. With tender chicken, chewy couscous, and a flavorful broth, it’s a simple yet elevated soup that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

If you’re looking for a hearty chicken soup that goes beyond noodles, this one deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Chicken & Pearl Couscous Soup (Hearty, Cozy & Comforting)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Sear chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook 5–6 min until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté veggies: In same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 min until softened. Stir in garlic; cook 30 sec.
Simmer broth: Add chicken broth, thyme, oregano, and pearl couscous. Bring to a boil.

Cook couscous: Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until couscous is tender.
Add chicken back and simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.
Finish: Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and cheese if desired.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Pearl couscous ≠ regular couscous—it’s larger, chewier, and holds up beautifully in soup.
– For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp pesto or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
– Use rotisserie chicken to save time—add in last 5 minutes.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):