Grilled Lemon Chicken and Moroccan Couscous Salad

Elevate your next meal with this vibrant Grilled Lemon Chicken and Moroccan Couscous Salad, a perfect fusion of zesty, smoky, and aromatic flavors. Juicy, marinated chicken is infused with tangy lemon, warm spices like cumin and paprika, and grilled to perfection for a savory char. Paired with a colorful couscous salad bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients—think plump raisins, crunchy toasted almonds, refreshing cucumber, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint—this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. A hint of cinnamon in the dressing adds an exotic touch, making each bite unforgettable. Ready in under an hour, this wholesome recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together to make the marinade.

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5

While the chicken is marinating or grilling, prepare the couscous by bringing the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Step 6

Remove the broth from heat, stir in the couscous and raisins, and cover. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Allow the couscous to cool slightly.

Step 7

In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous with the slivered almonds, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle this dressing over the couscous salad and toss to combine.

Step 9

To serve, plate the couscous salad and top with sliced grilled lemon chicken. Garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1796.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2517.6

Total Fat 127.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 6678.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 106.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 39.0g
Protein 237.7g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 467.6mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 3857.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.4%

Protein: 37.7%

Carbs: 16.9%