Mediterranean style Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Couscous

 

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Lemon Herb Couscous:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Mediterranean Salad:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

2. Prepare the Lemon Herb Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped mint, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the refrigerator and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

4. Prepare the Mediterranean Salad: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Toss gently to combine.

5. Serve: Divide the Lemon Herb Couscous among serving plates. Top with grilled chicken breasts and spoon the Mediterranean Salad alongside. Garnish with additional chopped herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!