Description
These Lemon Pesto Chicken & Couscous Bowls are a masterclass in texture and flavor balance. Featuring crispy lemon-pepper chicken, herb-heavy pesto couscous, and a refreshing bean and corn salsa with sun-dried tomatoes, every bite offers a perfect mix of smoky sweetness and bright citrus.
Ingredients
The Lemon-Pepper Chicken
- 1 1/4 lbs chicken breasts (cutlets)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon each butter and olive oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (optional)
Bean and Corn Salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted corn
- 1 large avocado, chopped
- 2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 large lemon, juiced
Pesto Couscous Bowls
- 2 cups couscous (dry)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 (7 oz) container basil pesto
- 2 lemons (for juice and wedges)
Instructions
Prep Chicken: Slice breasts into thin cutlets and pound to even thickness. If using buttermilk, marinate for 30 mins, then pat dry.
Cook Chicken: Dredge in lemon pepper flour and sear in butter/oil for 5–6 mins per side (or grill at 400°F). Let rest for 5–10 mins before slicing.
Make Salsa: Toss beans, corn, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and 3 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl.
Prepare Couscous: Boil stock and butter. Stir in couscous, cover for 3 mins, then fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/3 cup pesto and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
Assemble: Divide couscous into bowls. Top with chicken and salsa. Drizzle with remaining pesto and garnish with basil.
Notes
Uniform Thickness: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and prevents the thin edges from drying out.
Liquid Gold: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in the salsa for concentrated savory flavor.
Fluffing Rule: Always use a fork to fluff couscous to keep the grains light and airy instead of gummy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: lemon pesto chicken, couscous meal prep, fire roasted corn salsa, healthy chicken bowls, 40 minute dinner, sun dried tomato recipes, basil pesto couscous