Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Bowl (Printer-Friendly)
Tender spiced chicken, fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon-tahini sauce in a wholesome Mediterranean bowl.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lemon
→ Grains
11 - 1 1/4 cups couscous
12 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
→ Vegetables & Garnishes
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
15 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted & halved
17 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (omit for dairy-free)
19 - 1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula leaves
→ Sauce
20 - 2 tbsp tahini
21 - 2 tbsp plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
22 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
23 - 1 tbsp olive oil
24 - 1 small garlic clove, grated
25 - Salt & pepper to taste
26 - Warm water to thin
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to overnight for deeper flavor.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
03 - Bring chicken broth or water to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover immediately, and remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
04 - Whisk together tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add warm water until sauce reaches smooth, drizzling consistency.
05 - Divide fluffed couscous among four bowls. Arrange spinach or arugula, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on top. Drizzle generously with lemon-tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Everything comes together in under an hour, but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- The lemon-tahini sauce is the kind of thing you will want to put on everything afterward
02 -
- The couscous absorbs liquid quickly, so keep the components separate if you are meal prepping for the week
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing is what keeps it juicy instead of dry
03 -
- Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking
- Grate the garlic for the sauce instead of mincing it for a smoother texture