Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Chicken Bowls

Experience the bright, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Pearl Couscous Chicken Bowls. This dish combines tender, zesty chicken strips with a refreshing and herby pearl couscous salad for a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for a balanced lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, it brings a fresh Greek-inspired touch to your table.

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The secret to this recipe lies in the marinade, where lemon juice and zest mingle with garlic and dried herbs to infuse the chicken with classic Mediterranean aromas. Paired with chewy, toasted pearl couscous and a tangy Dijon-honey dressing, every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• Chicken & Marinade
• 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Pearl Couscous Salad
• 250 g (1 1/4 cups) pearl couscous
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 120 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped
• 50 g (1/3 cup) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• Dressing
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge).

2. Cook the pearl couscous

Bring water or broth to a boil. Add couscous, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the dressing

Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

4. Toss the salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled couscous, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint. Pour dressing over and toss well.

5. Sear the chicken

Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.

6. Assemble the bowls

Divide the couscous salad among bowls. Top with the warm chicken strips and crumbled feta. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a medium saucepan for the couscous and a non-stick skillet or grill pan for the chicken. Please be aware of allergens: this dish contains milk (feta) and wheat (couscous). If using store-bought broth or mustard, double-check labels for hidden allergens.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or protein-rich chickpeas. For extra vegetable variety, try adding roasted eggplant or marinated artichoke hearts into the salad mix.

Serviervorschläge

These bowls are best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is still hot. Enhance your meal by pairing it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a traditional Greek white wine to complement the citrus and herbal notes.

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With 470 calories per serving, these Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Chicken Bowls offer a wholesome and satisfying dining experience that perfectly balances lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make the couscous salad ahead of time?

Yes, the pearl couscous salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.

→ What can I substitute for pearl couscous?

You can use regular couscous, quinoa, or orzo pasta as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly—regular couscous cooks faster while quinoa may take slightly longer to become tender.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, couscous salad, and dressing in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture. Reheat chicken gently before assembling.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side. The grill adds a nice smoky char that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. However, the couscous salad is best enjoyed fresh as the vegetables may become soggy after freezing. Freeze components separately for best results.

→ What wine pairs well with these bowls?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Assyrtiko, or Pinot Grigio complements the bright lemon and herb flavors. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir works nicely without overpowering the fresh Mediterranean ingredients.