Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Chicken Bowls (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant bowls with toasted pearl couscous, Greek-style chicken strips, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese in a zesty Mediterranean dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greek Chicken

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons dried oregano
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Pearl Couscous Salad

09 - 1½ cups pearl couscous
10 - 2 cups water or chicken broth
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 cucumber, diced
14 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
15 - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
16 - ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

17 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
18 - 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
19 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
21 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
22 - ¼ teaspoon salt
23 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken strips and toss thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours refrigerated for enhanced flavor development.
02 - Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pearl couscous and toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.
03 - Combine cooled couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl.
04 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Pour over the salad mixture and toss until evenly coated.
05 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken strips and cook 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat.
06 - Divide couscous salad evenly among four bowls. Top each portion with chicken strips and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional fresh parsley or a lemon wedge.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High in protein and filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables.
  • A quick and easy 50-minute meal perfect for weeknights.
  • Flexible enough for meal prep or a healthy family dinner.
02 -
  • Use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the couscous for a more savory base.
  • Ensure your grill pan is preheated to medium-high to get a nice golden sear on the chicken strips.
  • If you follow a gluten-free diet, swap the pearl couscous for a certified gluten-free alternative or quinoa.
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