Delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe for Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Couscous and Roasted Vegetables. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with the smokiness of grilled chicken and the aromatic goodness of lemon herb couscous. It's a perfect balance of protein, grains, and vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1. Chicken Marinade:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
2. Lemon Herb Couscous:
– 1 1/2 cups couscous
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
– Salt and black pepper to taste
3. Roasted Vegetables:
– 2 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large red onion, sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– Salt and black pepper to taste
4. Garnish:
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Chicken Marinade:
A. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
B. Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
C. Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat.
D. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked with nice grill marks. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Lemon Herb Couscous:
A. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
B. Stir in the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
C. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped mint, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
D. Cover the couscous and set aside to keep warm.
3. Roasted Vegetables:
A. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
B. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
C. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
D. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
E. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
F. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Assembling the Dish:
A. Spoon a generous portion of lemon herb couscous onto each plate.
B. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
C. Arrange the roasted vegetables alongside the couscous and chicken.
D. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Final Thoughts:
Indulge in the vibrant and wholesome flavors of this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Couscous and Roasted Vegetables. This recipe brings together the best of Mediterranean cuisine, creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the combination of succulent grilled chicken, fragrant lemon herb couscous, and flavorful roasted vegetables for a dining experience that's both delicious and nutritious.
