Lemon Pepper Chicken Couscous Bowls
Lemon-pepper chicken adds a bright, savory topping to fluffy couscous. Cool cucumber and tomatoes make each bowl feel fresh.
Serves: 4 | Estimated total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 cup dry couscous
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or amount specified on couscous package
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for dressing
How to make it
- Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, lemon zest, pepper, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 7–10 minutes, turning until browned and every thick piece reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Meanwhile, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat; stand 5 minutes, or follow package directions. Fluff with a fork.
- Whisk lemon juice, dressing oil and remaining salt. Divide couscous among bowls and add chicken, cucumber and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing.
Helpful tips
These instructions use small Moroccan-style couscous, not pearl couscous. For pearl couscous, follow its longer package cooking time.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days. For dishes served hot, reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout. Keep bread and crisp toppings separate until serving. See USDA leftover storage guidance.
Common question
Can I serve it cold? Yes, refrigerate chicken and couscous promptly in shallow containers, then add vegetables and dressing when serving.
Keep your seasonings organized
Recipes like this put black pepper and garlic powder into regular rotation. Give your jars a dedicated spot with the Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted spice rack set. Mounting hardware is included; jars and spices are not included.
More recipes to try
Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration. Results vary with ingredients and equipment; this recipe has not been kitchen-tested.