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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken With Couscous Salad

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken with Couscous Salad

A delightful and refreshing main course featuring tender, lemon-pepper marinated grilled chicken served alongside a vibrant Mediterranean couscous salad. This dish combines zesty, aromatic chicken with a light, herby salad for a perfect balanced meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 180-200g each)
  • 300 g medium grain couscous
  • 300 ml hot vegetable stock
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced (for chicken and salad)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon dried lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 100 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cucumber deseeded and finely diced
  • ½ red onion finely diced
  • 50 g pitted black olives halved
  • A generous handful of fresh parsley chopped
  • A generous handful of fresh mint chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for couscous salad
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the juice of half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the dried lemon pepper seasoning, garlic granules, dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until everything is incorporated and fragrant.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper. Add them to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, allowing the lemon to subtly tenderise the meat and the spices to infuse deeply. You'll notice the chicken taking on a slightly paler, seasoned appearance.
  3. Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken is marinating, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot vegetable stock over the couscous, ensuring it’s completely covered. Cover the bowl with a plate or cling film and let it stand for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. The couscous will plump up and become light and fluffy.
  4. Assemble the Couscous Salad: Once the couscous has absorbed the stock, fluff it gently with a fork. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and halved black olives. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and mint. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of the remaining half lemon. Season with salt to taste and mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a vibrant, colourful salad with a fresh, herby aroma.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the heat. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken has beautiful char marks and is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer, and the chicken will be firm to the touch with no pink in the centre.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into thick strips if desired, and serve immediately alongside generous portions of the Mediterranean couscous salad. The combined aromas of zesty chicken and fresh herbs will fill your kitchen.

Notes

For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors. The couscous salad can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it a great option for meal prep. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for food safety.