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Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Dinner with Couscous


  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and heart-healthy chicken dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. It features lean chicken breasts, mixed vegetables, and whole wheat couscous, all prepared in under 35 minutes. The dish is low in fat and sodium, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat couscous
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

  • Instructions

    1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick.

    2. 2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets. Gently press the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it adheres well.

    3. 3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.

    4. 4. Build the Flavorful Broth: In the same skillet, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat.

    5. 5. Add Vegetables and Couscous: Stir the mixed frozen vegetables into the simmering broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender-crisp. Then, stir in the whole wheat couscous. Remove the skillet from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes. The couscous will absorb the broth and become fluffy.

    6. 6. Combine and Serve: Fluff the couscous and vegetables with a fork. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or cubes, or serve them whole alongside the couscous mixture. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: saute
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving

    Keywords: chicken, healthy, quick, easy, weeknight, couscous, vegetables, low fat, low sodium, meal prep