Simple Chicken and Vegetable Couscous
A light and fluffy couscous salad, ready in minutes. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are tossed in a simple lemon dressing, making for a perfect quick lunch or a flavorful side dish.
For 1 serving
3 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the couscous
- b.In a small saucepan, bring the low-sodium vegetable broth to a boil.
- c.Place the dry couscous in a heatproof bowl.
- d.Pour the boiling broth over the couscous, stir once, then cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plate.
- e.Let it stand for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine the ingredients
- b.Once the couscous is ready, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- c.Add the shredded chicken, diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl.
- d.Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Serve
- b.Toss everything together gently until well combined.
- c.Serve immediately while warm, or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can toast the dry couscous in the saucepan for a minute before adding the broth.
- 2Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or carrots.
- 3A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add a nice warm spice to the dish.
- 4This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the chicken and add 2 tablespoons of chickpeas for a plant-based protein source.
gluten freeGluten free
Substitute the couscous with an equal amount of quinoa. You will need to cook the quinoa according to package directions, typically simmering for 15 minutes.
healthyHealthy
Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrients without significantly increasing calories.
quickQuick
Use pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety, helping you feel full longer.
Quick Energy
Couscous is a source of complex carbohydrates that provide a quick and sustained release of energy.
Low in Fat
This recipe is prepared without any added oils or fats, making it a very low-fat meal option that's good for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy and balanced dish. It's low in fat, provides lean protein from the chicken, and includes fresh vegetables for vitamins and fiber. Using low-sodium broth helps keep the sodium content in check.