Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous Recipe
A flavorful and healthy Lemon Herb Chicken served over fluffy couscous, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, grilled to perfection, and paired with simple, buttery couscous garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lemon Herb Chicken
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 12 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare Couscous: While the chicken cooks, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling chicken broth or water over it, add olive oil or butter, cover tightly, and let it steam for 5 minutes.
- Fluff Couscous: After the steaming time, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. Season lightly with salt to taste.
- Serve: Plate the sliced lemon herb chicken over the couscous. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and presentation. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for several hours enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use bone-in chicken if desired, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Couscous can be substituted with quinoa or rice for variation.
- Adjust herbs and spices according to personal preference for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with marinated tofu and use vegetable broth for couscous.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Lemon Herb Chicken, Couscous, Healthy Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Easy Weeknight Meal
Find it online: https://maicook.com/lemon-herb-chicken-with-couscous-recipe/