Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, then set aside.
- Bring chicken broth or water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and stir in the couscous.
- Cover and let the couscous steam for about 5 minutes until fluffy.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the cooked chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint to the couscous.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feta cheese can be added for a salty and creamy touch.
- Olives or roasted red peppers add extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu can be substituted for chicken.
- Quinoa can be used instead of couscous for a higher-protein variation.
- A drizzle of tzatziki adds extra creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad-style meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg