Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/7ae32dd9-ff56-4b53-84e7-c5a49a701a41
Original source: https://ourkitchenrecipe.com/herbed-chicken-and-couscous-bowl/
Archived source: https://web.archive.org/web/20250915091715id_/https://ourkitchenrecipe.com/herbed-chicken-and-couscous-bowl/ (captured 2025-09-15T09:17:15.000Z)
Recipe image: https://ourkitchenrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Herbed-Chicken-and-Couscous-Bowl-225x225.webp

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein, lean and versatile, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin is preferred for its flavour, used to cook the chicken and help the herbs adhere.
- 2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic and pungent base note that is essential to the flavour profile.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that adds a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Contributes a subtle, earthy, and slightly minty flavour that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary, Crushed: A pungent, pine-like herb; crushing it helps release its aromatic oils.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavours; adjust based on your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Adds a touch of mild spice and depth.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the chicken and adds a zesty kick post-cooking.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Added at the end for a burst of fresh, clean flavour and colour.
- 1.5 cups (approx. 280g) Plain Couscous: Small, pasta-like granules that cook quickly and absorb flavours wonderfully. Pearl or Israeli couscous can be used but will require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
- 1.75 cups (415ml) Vegetable or Chicken Broth (or Water): Using broth instead of water infuses the couscous with extra flavour from the start.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Adds a little richness and helps prevent the couscous from clumping.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste, especially if using unsalted broth): Seasons the couscous.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: Adds a sweet, juicy burst and vibrant colour.
- 1 cup Cucumber, Diced: Provides a refreshing crunch and coolness.
- 1/2 Red Onion, Thinly Sliced (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of sharp, pungent flavour; soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese, Crumbled: Adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that elevates the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint, Chopped (optional): Offers a cool, refreshing herbal note that pairs well with Mediterranean flavours.
- For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette (Optional, but Recommended):

3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, providing richness.
- 1.5 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a tangy depth.
- 1 small clove Garlic, Minced or Grated: For an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: To season the dressing perfectly.

Instructions
1. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
2. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the herbs and seasonings.
3. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * If you have time, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavours to penetrate the chicken more deeply. For even better results, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, you can proceed directly to cooking.
4. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * While the chicken is marinating (or just before you start cooking it), prepare the couscous.
5. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth (or water) to a boil along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
6. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Once the liquid is boiling vigorously, add the couscous. Stir it once to ensure it’s all submerged.
7. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately, cover it tightly with a lid, and let it stand for 5-7 minutes, or according to the package directions. The steam trapped inside will cook the couscous perfectly.
8. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * After the resting time, remove the lid and fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. Set aside, keeping it covered to retain warmth.
9. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot. You don’t need to add extra oil if you used it in the marinade, but if your chicken seems dry or your pan is prone to sticking, you can add another teaspoon of oil.
10. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Carefully add the herbed chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken sears rather than steams.
11. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on one side, undisturbed, until it develops a nice golden-brown crust.
12. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook for another 4-6 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
13. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat. Squeeze the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the hot chicken and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
14. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * While the chicken and couscous are cooking, prepare your fresh components. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion (if using). If using red onion, you can soak the slices in a small bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavour, then drain well. Chop the fresh mint if you’re including it.
15. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * If making the optional Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced/grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well emulsified.
16. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Divide the fluffed couscous among serving bowls, creating a base.
17. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Top the couscous with a generous portion of the cooked herbed chicken.
18. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion (if using) around or over the chicken.
19. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Drizzle with the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette, if desired, or simply let the juices from the chicken and the fresh vegetables provide moisture.
20. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh mint (if using) over the top as a final garnish.
21. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] * Serve immediately while the chicken and couscous are warm, and the vegetables are crisp and fresh.
22. [Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl] Enjoy your vibrant, flavourful, and healthy Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl!