Pecan Chicken Sticks with Collard Couscous Recipe

• 8 medium chicken drumsticks
• 5 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3/4 cup finely ground pecans
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon spicy Cajun-style chicken seasoning
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups frozen chopped collard greens, mostly thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1-3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1-1/3 cups couscous
• 2/3 cup cooked, crumbled bacon bits
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
• 1/4 cup toasted pecan pieces

1. Cut meat off bone on bottom 1/2 inch of drumsticks to form a small 'handle.' Brush chicken with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Place ground pecans, flour and chicken seasoning in a large plastic bag. Add drumsticks; shake to coat.
3. Place oil in a large heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add drumsticks and cook, turning to brown on all sides. Cover and place skillet in a 375°F. oven. Cook for 10 minutes; uncover, turn chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, or until chicken is done. Remove to a plate; keep warm.
4. Add collards and onion to skillet; stir-fry for about 3 minutes over medium-high heat. In another pan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous; remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 7 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir couscous and bacon into collard mixture; cook for 3 minutes to heat through.
5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix together remaining maple syrup and mustard. Microwave on medium for 1 minute.
To serve, place equal portions of couscous on each of 4 plates. Arrange 2 chicken drumsticks in the center of each and drizzle with maple-mustard mixture. Garnish with pecan pieces. 

This recipe originally aired in the July 2006 issue of Heart of the Home.

More from this issue:

• Chicken Paillards with Asian Salad Recipe
• Thai-Inspired Stuffed Chicken Breast and Slaw Recipe
• Zesty Ginger Beer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches Recipe
• Warm Chicken Black Bean Salad with Mango Mojo Dressing Recipe

More from Capper's Farmer:

• Honey Orange Drumsticks Recipe
• Herb-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables Recipe