Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous & Roasted Vegetables
This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous & Roasted Vegetables is a vibrant, wholesome dish that balances zesty chicken, fluffy couscous, and tender roasted vegetables. The lemon and herbs infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic flavor, while the roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add natural sweetness and color. Quick to prepare, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a casual gathering, delivering Mediterranean freshness with minimal fuss.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 larger fillets)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling vegetable broth (or water/chicken broth)
Pinch of salt
Lemon zest
For the Roasted Vegetables:
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Prepare Roasted Vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Couscous:
Place couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling broth over it, add a pinch of salt and lemon zest, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Assemble the Dish:
On a plate, serve sliced chicken over couscous with roasted vegetables on the side. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices from the chicken for extra flavor.
Tips
Even Cooking: Pound chicken to uniform thickness if fillets are uneven for consistent cooking.
Marinade Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more pronounced the lemon-herb flavor.
Crispy Vegetables: Spread vegetables in a single layer to roast evenly.
Couscous Fluff: Use a fork to fluff couscous instead of stirring to avoid clumping.
Extra Zest: Sprinkle additional lemon zest on the finished dish for brightness.
Herb Alternatives: Fresh thyme or oregano can be substituted for dried herbs.
Pan Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth or wine after cooking chicken for an easy sauce.
Meal Prep: All components store well in separate containers for up to 3 days.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled feta.
Vegetable Swap: Use eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or carrots instead of zucchini and bell pepper.
Grain Variation: Serve with quinoa, bulgur, or farro instead of couscous.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes over chicken before serving.
Garlic Boost: Roast vegetables with extra minced garlic for depth.
Herb Variation: Add fresh parsley or basil to the couscous for freshness.
Lemon-Lover: Drizzle extra lemon juice on roasted vegetables before serving.
Protein Swap: Use salmon or turkey breast instead of chicken for a different twist.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, store components separately. Reheat chicken and vegetables gently before serving.
Q: Can I use instant couscous?
A: Absolutely, just follow package instructions; it cooks quickly in hot broth.
Q: How do I make it extra lemony?
A: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables just before serving.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Traditional couscous contains gluten; substitute with quinoa or gluten-free couscous to make it gluten-free.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 380
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous & Roasted Vegetables is a light, vibrant, and satisfying meal. The bright lemon-herb chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous and naturally sweet roasted vegetables, creating a balanced plate full of color, texture, and flavor. Easy to prepare, versatile, and wholesome, this dish embodies the simplicity and freshness of Mediterranean cuisine.