I didn’t think my family liked chicken on the bone. But then I made this dish.
My kids don’t willingly eat chicken on the bone. Or even chicken that I’ve taken off the bone. But every once in a while I try again.
One afternoon when I was running out to a photoshoot that would have me out past dinner time, I needed to get dinner ready in under five minutes and be out the door. All I had in the fridge was a pack of skinless chicken thighs that I’d purchased in a delusional moment, thinking that my kids would maybe eat it. I figured I’d prepare them and the kids would just eat peanut butter sandwiches for dinner, as usual. But how could I make them look remotely appetizing so they’d maybe try them?
I grabbed a jar of Bone Suckin’ Sauce from the fridge and some bread crumbs from the pantry. I dipped each chicken piece in sauce and then in crumbs, threw them into a 9×13, and then into the oven. I called out to my teenager to put up a pot of macaroni to go with it and I ran off to take some pictures. 
I came home expecting to see a full pan of chicken waiting for me, minus a couple that maybe my husband or my visiting nephew had eaten. There wasn’t a single piece left!! My mind was completely blown! They’d all eaten the chicken!
The only way to perfect this miracle was to add a side dish right into that 9 x 13. I experimented with some Israeli couscous and a perfect meal was born! The couscous cooks into a crunchy layer on top and a softer one underneath, which suits my family just right. And I hope it suits your family, too!
- 5 skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup Bone Suckin’ Sauce (or any bbq sauce your family likes)
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 package Israeli couscous
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350⁰F.
- Pour couscous into 9 x 13-inch pan. Add 2 cups water, salt and pepper (make it as spicy as your family likes).
- Pour sauce into a bowl and crumbs into a plate. Dip the top of each piece of chicken into sauce and then into crumbs. Place on top of couscous. Spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
Looks YUM! Can’t wait to try!
How big is the package of couscous? That package is not sold where I live. Thanks
This package is 250g (8.8 oz) which is just over a cup if you’re measuring from a bulk pack.
Can you make this with pargyot if my family won’t each chicken on the bone ?
I’d try that, but with boiling water to cut some of the cooking time for the couscous, as the boneless chicken will cook faster.
This looks great! Any idea if i can use white meat chicken and try gluten free cous cous ?
I really don’t know about gluten free couscous, but if the cooking time is significantly shorter than for regular couscous, go for it! Chicken breasts will cook a lot faster than chicken on the bone, so the couscous timing has to match up.
Do they sell bone sucking sauce in Israel? If not is there anything else I can use?
You can find it in Eshkolet in Ramat Eshkol.
Can you use smaller couscous – not pearl version?
You definitely can! The amount of water required might be different – probably a bit less than for the pearled couscous.
Any other ideas for a diff sauce? Or homemade version?
Any good quality, thick bbq sauce will work.
Oh I see any BBQ sauce can work, and I’m assuming can be made w rice also,,,
Made this tonight and everyone loved it even my no chicken eaters!
Thanks for this great forum!
Gonna try for Shabbas! Sounds yum!!!
can i make this with farfel?
can this be made covered also?
Can this be frozen? With rice underneath? Before or after baking?