This dish is bursting with bright and zesty flavors from the lemon, complemented perfectly by the briny goodness of capers and the aromatic freshness of thyme. The grilled chicken breast is tender and juicy, and when paired with the couscous, it creates a delightful balance of textures. Not to mention, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Start by marinating the chicken breasts. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, capers, fresh thyme leaves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you preheat the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and have a nice grill marks.
- While the chicken is grilling, let’s prepare the couscous. In a saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the couscous and toast it for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the couscous simmer for 8-10 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sprinkle in some chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
- Place a generous portion of the couscous on each serving plate and top it with a grilled chicken breast. Garnish with additional thyme leaves and parsley if desired for a gorgeous presentation.
Notes
To ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly, try to pound them to an even thickness before marinating. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the marinade as well. You can easily customize the couscous by adding some chopped roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
Chef’s tip: For an added touch of indulgence, you can drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or lemon-infused olive oil over the grilled chicken just before serving.
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
