Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Chicken Bowls (Print)

Wholesome Mediterranean bowls with pearl couscous salad, Greek lemon chicken strips, fresh vegetables, and zesty feta dressing.

# Components:

→ 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering delivery, yet tastes like you spent your whole afternoon cooking.
  • Pearl couscous has this unexpected chewiness that makes the bowl feel substantial without weighing you down.
  • The feta and olives do all the heavy lifting flavor-wise, so you barely need to think about seasoning.
02 -
  • Don't skip the toasting step for the couscous; that two minutes transforms it from bland to nutty and actually worth eating.
  • If your chicken strips are thicker than your pinky finger, pound them a bit or slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and stay tender.
03 -
  • If you're prepping this ahead, keep the dressing separate and dress the salad just before serving so the vegetables stay crisp and the couscous doesn't turn into mush.
  • A lemon wedge on the side at serving time lets people adjust the brightness to their taste, which always feels generous and attentive.
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