Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs served with fluffy couscous is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The bright lemon and aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor while the couscous provides a light, fluffy base. It’s a perfect balanced meal that is quick to prepare and great for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Couscous
- Chicken broth or water
Directions
- Marinate chicken thighs in lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Prepare couscous by bringing broth or water to a boil, then stirring in couscous and covering until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Fluff with a fork.
- Serve grilled chicken over couscous with extra herbs and lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4, total time about 45 minutes including marinating.
Variations
- Use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead of thighs.
- Add roasted vegetables to serve alongside.
- Substitute couscous with quinoa or rice for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store chicken and couscous separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I marinate overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor.
How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Do not overcook and keep skin-on for moisture retention.
Can I cook chicken indoors?
Yes, grill pan or oven broiler work well.
Is couscous gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is not; use gluten-free alternatives if needed.
Can I add spices to marinade?
Yes, cumin, paprika, or chili flakes complement lemon well.
How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in separate containers and consume within 3 days.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What side dishes go well?
Salads, grilled vegetables, or flatbread are excellent choices.
How to make couscous fluffier?
Use the correct liquid ratio and fluff with a fork after cooking.
Can I freeze grilled chicken?
Yes, freeze cooled chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Couscous offers a bright, herbaceous meal that’s simple to prepare and pleasing to the palate, ideal for busy days or casual dinners.
Print
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs with Couscous
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Steaming
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs served with fluffy couscous is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Bring chicken broth or water to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork.
- Serve grilled chicken over couscous, garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts or drumsticks as alternatives.
- Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Substitute couscous with quinoa or rice for variety.
- Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Keep skin-on chicken to retain moisture.
- Use grill pan or oven broiler if grilling indoors.
- Add spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes to marinade for extra flavor.
- Store chicken and couscous separately and reheat gently.
- Use dried herbs in lesser amounts compared to fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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