Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Couscous
Highlighted under: International Recipe Collection
Enjoy a vibrant and healthy meal with these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls featuring fluffy couscous, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables.
These Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean. With grilled chicken, refreshing vegetables, and fluffy couscous, they make for a perfect meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors
- Healthy and satisfying meal option
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. These Mediterranean Chicken Bowls encapsulate the essence of this culinary tradition, inviting you to enjoy a delightful mix of textures and tastes. From the juicy, marinated chicken to the fluffy couscous and fresh vegetables, every bite offers a taste of the sun-kissed Mediterranean. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients that nourish the body and delight the senses.
The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, including heart health and weight management. By incorporating fresh vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains like couscous, these bowls are packed with nutrients essential for a balanced diet. They are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on health.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of Mediterranean Chicken Bowls is their versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Want to add some roasted bell peppers or zucchini? Go for it! Prefer quinoa instead of couscous? That works too! This adaptability makes the recipe not only convenient but also a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your meals.
These bowls can also cater to various dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, simply replace chicken with grilled halloumi or chickpeas. This makes the dish accessible to everyone at the table, ensuring that no one misses out on a delicious and nutritious meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking to streamline your weeknight dinners, these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and couscous in advance and store them separately in the fridge. This way, you can quickly assemble your bowls on busy nights, saving you time while still enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Additionally, the flavors in this dish only improve as they sit, making leftovers even more delicious. Pack your bowls for lunch the next day, and you'll find that the combination of ingredients melds beautifully, providing you with a satisfying and tasty meal on the go.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olives for garnish
Combine all ingredients for a flavorful experience!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Couscous
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and lemon juice, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.
Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
Assemble the Bowls
In bowls, layer the couscous, sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and top with feta cheese and olives.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Bowls!
Serving Suggestions
These Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with additional sides. Consider serving them with a light Greek salad or a side of hummus and pita for an extra Mediterranean flair. The combination of flavors will transport you straight to a sun-drenched terrace in Greece, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a drizzle of harissa or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an exciting kick to your bowls. Don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings like avocado or a dollop of tzatziki for added creaminess.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and couscous can last up to three days when properly stored. For best results, keep the vegetables separate until you're ready to eat to maintain their freshness and crunch.
If you want to freeze the bowls, consider freezing the chicken and couscous separately, as the vegetables are best enjoyed fresh. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, just reheat the chicken and couscous and add the fresh veggies for a quick and nutritious meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls is packed with essential nutrients. With lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber-rich vegetables, this meal supports a balanced diet. Additionally, couscous provides carbohydrates for energy, making it an ideal option for those with active lifestyles.
For a more detailed breakdown, consider calculating the nutritional values based on specific brands and quantities you use. This will help you tailor the recipe to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re tracking macros or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
Yes, quinoa is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
→ What can I serve with these bowls?
These bowls pair well with a side salad or some pita bread.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and couscous in advance and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Couscous
Enjoy a vibrant and healthy meal with these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls featuring fluffy couscous, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables.
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: International Recipe Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Couscous
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olives for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and lemon juice, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
In bowls, layer the couscous, sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and top with feta cheese and olives.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g