Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl Recipe

Couscous: A type of pasta made from semolina wheat, often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that is cut into strips for this recipe.

Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Feta cheese: A brined curd cheese that adds a tangy flavor to the dish.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness to the dish.

Lemon juice: Adds a zesty, fresh flavor to the dressing.

Dried oregano: A common Mediterranean herb that adds depth to the flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other flavors.

When cooking the chicken strips, ensure they are evenly cut to promote uniform cooking. To achieve a golden brown exterior, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. This allows the chicken to sear properly, enhancing its flavor and texture.

• cooked couscous - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-rich grain that offers a similar texture and can be used as a gluten-free alternative.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that can be marinated and grilled to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them a perfect alternative.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for cucumber.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can replace red onion in salads.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, making it a good alternative to feta.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a similar earthy flavor that can replace oregano in Mediterranean dishes.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty umami flavor, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can be used in smaller amounts to replace black pepper.

• To store your Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl, first ensure it has cooled to room temperature. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Transfer the couscous mixture to an airtight container. Using a container with a tight seal helps maintain freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Your Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to enjoy the dish later, consider storing the lemon juice separately. This prevents the couscous from becoming overly soggy.
• For freezing, portion the couscous bowl into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to eat, thaw the couscous bowl in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to revive the flavors.
• Avoid freezing the feta cheese and cherry tomatoes if possible. They can become watery and lose their texture. Instead, add fresh feta and tomatoes after reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle a few drops of water or olive oil over the top to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  2. Add the Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl to the skillet.
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to heat evenly.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken and couscous are heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer basket.
  2. Add water to the steamer pot and bring it to a boil.
  3. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 5-10 minutes or until the chicken and couscous are heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

• Large skillet: Used to cook the chicken strips until they are golden brown and cooked through.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

• Chef's knife: Essential for cutting the chicken breasts into strips and dicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the chicken while it cooks and for mixing the couscous bowl ingredients.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken strips in the skillet to ensure even cooking.

• Lemon squeezer: Helps to extract fresh lemon juice efficiently.

• Serving bowl: Used to serve the Greek chicken couscous bowl.

Pre-cook the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly add them to the couscous bowl when needed.

Use pre-cooked couscous: Buy pre-cooked couscous to save time on boiling and cooling. It’s a quick and easy way to assemble your Greek chicken couscous bowl.

Chop veggies ahead: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Batch make the dressing: Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano in a jar and store it. Shake well before using.