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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Chicken

    Lemon Herb Chicken with Couscous

    Published: Feb 24, 2021 · Modified: Feb 24, 2021 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

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    Lemon and herb chicekn in a pan with a text title overlay.

    We love an easy chicken recipe and these juicy chicken thighs in a lemon and herb sauce, served over giant couscous is a favourite in our house. Zesty and fresh, Lemon and Herb Chicken can be prepared in advance and there are so many different ways to serve it too.

    A large cooking pan containing cooked chicken thighs, lemon slices and rosemary sprigs.

    Lemon and fresh herbs is a classic combination when it comes to a chicken dish, and this couldn't be easier. Marinade the chicken, fry it to get crispy and then finish in the oven. A simple but comforting meal that can be enjoyed all year round.

    Jump to:
    • Why should you try it?
    • What you will need
    • Step by step
    • What is couscous?
    • What to serve it with
    • Can you freeze it?
    • FAQs
    • Extra tips
    • More chicken recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why should you try it?

    • A delicious way to cook with chicken
    • Fresh and light
    • Can be prepared in advance
    • Lots of different ways to serve it

    What you will need

    • Chicken - We used bone in, skin on chicken thighs. We have found that this is the best to use, because they are really juicy and the skin gets nice and juicy. You could lighten this dish up by using chicken breasts, however it would change the cooking time and they might be a little dry.
    • Giant (Israeli) couscous - Also known as pearl couscous, this is a large version of couscous. It has so much texture and really soaks up the juices of the chicken.
    • Lemons - We used lemon juice and zest for a really intense lemon flavour.
    • Shallots - These add a bit of texture to the dish and some sweetness. You could finely dice a small onion, but it wouldn't have the same sweetness.
    • Garlic - The more garlic the better we say, and it compliments the lemon and herb beautifully.
    • Dijon mustard - Lemon and mustard are a great combination. We used Dijon, but you could swap it for wholegrain instead.
    • Herbs - the herbs really are the star of the show here. We used oregano, parsley and rosemary, however thyme and marjoram work well too.
    • Stock - We used chicken stock. Homemade is always best, however if you don't have time to make your own then use the best quality you can afford, as you really will be able to taste the difference.
    All the ingredients needed for this recipe laid out on a wooden surface.

    Step by step

    One: Put the chicken in a bowl and add the olive oil, half the lemon juice and zest, the garlic, rosemary, oregano, mustard and salt and pepper. Use your hands and mix well.

    A metal bowl with chicken thighs covered in chopped herbs.

    Two: Heat the oil in a pan and add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the chicken, skin side down and cook for 4 minutes, until the skin starts to get crispy.

    Herb covered chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish.

    Three: Turn the chicken over and add the chicken stock and the rest of the lemon juice and zest. Put in a preheated oven at gas mark 7 for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

    Cooked chicken thighs in a baking dish topped with lemon slices and sprigs of rosemary.

    Four: Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Drain and then stir through the fresh parsley. Serve the couscous with the chicken on top.

    What is couscous?

    You might think that couscous is a grain, but it actually isn't. It is small, steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina. However, unlike regular couscous, Israeli couscous (that we have used here) is toasted, rather than dried, after the granules are formed.

    It is therefore nuttier in flavour and has a chewier texture. It is originally from North West Africa, but it is now a staple dish across northern Africa and in Israel.

    If you didn't want to use couscous could put the chicken and veg mixture on top of pasta or even a baked potato. If you still wanted to use a grain for this dish, you can serve it with rice, bulgur wheat, orzo or quinoa.

    Slices of lemon and sprigs of rosemary on top of cooked chicken.

    What to serve it with

    This is a great main meal, and there are so many options when it comes to how to serve it. We served it on a giant (Israeli) cous cous for a light and fresh meal. However, here are some other suggestions:

    • Potatoes - you could serve it on classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes, No Mayo Potato Salad, Air Fryer Fries, The BEST Greek Potatoes or Italian Parmesan Roasted Potatoes.
    • Greens - we love any dish that is an opportunity to eat lots of greens, and this one is just that. You could serve it with a side of sautéed garlic spinach or kale or try our Broccoli Salad, Roasted Lemon Asparagus, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, or Broccoli Slaw.
    • Salad - this is such a lovely light chicken dish, that it would go perfectly with a salad and we have some incredible salad recipe for you. Why not try our Cucumber Salad, No Mayo Coleslaw, Cucumber Tomato Salad or Beetroot and Goats Cheese Salad?
    • Vegetables - chicken and vegetables is a classic combination and we have a lot of vegetable side dishes that would go perfectly with lemon and herb chicken. Why not try our Roasted Garlic and Herb Mushrooms, Baked Carrot Fries, Sweetcorn Salsa or Grilled Corn with Herb Butter.
    • Rice - if you wanted something carby, but didn't want to go the couscous or potato route, then try one of our rice dishes. We have Cilantro Lime Rice, Turmeric Rice, or Spanish Rice.

    Can you freeze it?

    This dish can be frozen, but the couscous and the chicken should be frozen separately. To freeze the topping, let it cool completely then place it in an air-tight container and put in the freezer, where it will be good for up to 3 months. Defrost fully and then reheat in the microwave or on the hob (stove top).

    To freeze the couscous, let it cool completely, then spread it out in a single thin layer over a large baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to an air-tight freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Place the bag in the freezer for up to 4 months.

    To reheat the couscous, in a pan heat 1 teaspoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of water over a medium heat. Add the couscous to the pan and stir continuously until all the water has absorbed. Remove from the heat and fluff up with a fork.

    A cooked chicken thigh on top of couscous in a bowl with a sprig of rosemary on top.

    FAQs

    How long do you need to marinade the chicken for?

    We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, you can leave it for up to 24 hours, making this a great dish to prepare in advance.

    What does lemon juice do to chicken?

    As well as adding lots of fresh flavour to a chicken dish, it also tenderises it.

    What other herbs can you add to lemon herb chicken?

    We used oregano and thyme, however other herbs that go well with the lemon and chicken are rosemary and marjoram.

    How long do you bake chicken thighs for?

    We fried these a little first, so they get nice and crispy, however they are finished in the oven. Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs will take around 35 minutes to bake in the oven. It's always best to check that chicken is cooked with a meat thermometer though. Chicken should have an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F.

    How to store leftovers.

    If you have leftovers of this lemon herb chicken, then shred it up and store it in an air tight container in the fridge and it will keep for 2 days. We serve it in sandwiches and salads or mixed in to pasta dishes.

    Extra tips

    • Make these a little lighter by trimming the visible fat from the chicken thighs.
    • Leftovers of this are great in salads or sandwiches or stirred through a pasta dish.

    More chicken recipes

    • Pesto Chicken Sandwich
    • Chicken Tikka Kebabs
    • Tomato and Garlic Chicken Curry recipe
    • Honey and Lime Chicken
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    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog then let us know how you got on in the comments below, we love hearing from you!
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - we love sharing photos when people make our recipes. You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

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    Recipe

    Lemon and herb chicken in a large round pan topped with lemon slices and rosemary sprigs.

    Lemon Herb Chicken

    Easy and healthy grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with cous cous is simple to make and is perfect for a weeknight meal and tastes great!
    4.85 from 26 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Marinating time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Allergens:
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    An illustration of a cow's head.
    Meat
    An illustration of a mustard bottle.
    Mustard
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 475kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 8 chicken thighs bone in and skin on
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 lemons juice and zest
    • 5 garlic cloves crushed
    • 7 g fresh rosemary chopped
    • 2 tablespoon dried oregano
    • salt and pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 4 shallots finely chopped
    • 200 ml vegetable stock
    • 140 g dried giant couscous
    • 6 g fresh flat leaf parsley finely chopped

    Instructions

    • Put the chicken in a bowl and add the olive oil, half the lemon juice and zest, the garlic, rosemary, oregano, mustard and salt and pepper. Use your hands and mix well.
    • Heat the oil in a pan and add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
    • Add the chicken, skin side down and cook for 4 minutes, until the skin starts to get crispy.
    • Turn the chicken over and add the chicken stock and the rest of the lemon juice and zest. Put in a preheated oven at gas mark 7 for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
    • Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Drain and then stir through the fresh parsley.
    • Serve with chicken on top.

    Notes

    • Make these a little lighter by trimming the visible fat from the chicken thighs.
    • Leftovers of this are great in salads or sandwiches or stirred through a pasta dish.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 454mg | Potassium: 842mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 4mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela

      March 09, 2021 at 3:37 pm

      5 stars
      So much flavor in this dish. The lemon herb sauce goes so well with the chicken. I will definitely make it again.

      Reply
    2. Jamie

      March 09, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      5 stars
      The lemon, garlic, and rosemary are such great flavors to pair with chicken! I love how flavorful this meal is!

      Reply
    3. Sara Welch

      March 08, 2021 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      Served this for dinner last night and it does not disappoint! So flavorful and hearty; easily, a new favorite dish in our home!

      Reply
    4. Kay

      March 08, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      This came out so well, the lemony chicken skin was my favourite part! Lip smackingly good! I served mine up with brown rice instead as didn't have any couscous. 10 out of 10!

      Reply
    5. Sue

      March 08, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love the lemony herb sauce of this chicken. I'll make this one again!

      Reply
    6. Helen

      March 08, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      So much flavour! Love the addition of Israeli couscous :-)

      Reply
    7. Michelle Boule

      March 08, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious and so easy to make. I used my braiser too and it worked out perfectly

      Reply
    8. Beth Sachs

      March 03, 2021 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      I love lemon and herbs with chicken. It looks so tender and juicy.

      Reply
    9. Dolly @ Little Home in the Making

      February 27, 2021 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      It's been a while since I've tried couscous and this looks like the perfect recipe to try out! I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    10. Andrea

      February 24, 2021 at 7:33 pm

      5 stars
      Such wonderful flavors in the delicious meal! My family is going to love this.

      Reply
    11. Heidy and Ben McCallum

      February 24, 2021 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      Your Lemon and Herb Chicken with couscous sounds amazing. I love chicken and am super fond of couscous. Putting on my shopping list for the weekend.

      Reply
    12. Claudia Lamascolo

      February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      What this is a serious gorgeous looking photo I just want to jump right in that dish and eat it!

      Reply
    13. Alex

      February 24, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! I'm sure frying the chicken adds so much flavor - and lemon is always a fantastic pairing!

      Reply
    14. Krissy Allori

      February 24, 2021 at 5:12 pm

      5 stars
      Not only did this turn out beautiful but there was so much flavor!

      Reply
    15. Beth

      February 24, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so tasty and full of flavor! I can't wait to give this a try! My hubby and daughter are going to love this recipe! So excited!

      Reply
    16. Ana F.

      February 24, 2021 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this dish for Lemon Herb Chicken! It was so easy to make and the flavors combined perfectly! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    17. Jessica Formicola

      February 24, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      Lemon is my favorite flavor to combine with chicken! Definitely adding this to my must make list!

      Reply
    18. Pam

      February 24, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      How gorgeous is this chicken dish! I love anything that can be made ahead. Less stress around mealtime.

      Reply
    19. Shashi at SavorySpin

      February 24, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Cous cous and chicken are the staples of several of our weeknight meals so Im looking forward to trying your recipe! Looks delish!

      Reply
    20. Leah Horton

      March 18, 2020 at 6:20 am

      5 stars
      I love lemon and chicken but I never knew it could taste even better with couscous. This is simply fabulous and you have given quite easy to follow directions. Thank you very much.

      Reply
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    Welcome! My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist, along with travel, home and family life and general happiness.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food and lifestyle blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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