Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowls (Print Version)

Tender chicken over pearl couscous with tangy sesame-ginger dressing and fresh vegetables

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 garlic clove, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Couscous

07 - 1.5 cups pearl couscous
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Sesame-Ginger Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 - 2 tablespoons sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili sauce
18 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Vegetables and Garnishes

19 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
20 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
21 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
22 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
23 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
24 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - In a bowl, combine chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
02 - In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add pearl couscous, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, sriracha, and lime juice until well combined.
05 - In a large bowl, toss cooked couscous with half of the sesame-ginger dressing. Divide couscous among 4 serving bowls.
06 - Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.
07 - Serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Perfect Balance: The combination of warm chicken, fluffy couscous, and crisp raw vegetables creates a satisfying contrast in every bite.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, relying on sesame oil and lime juice for a rich yet light mouthfeel.
  • Quick Prep: With only 20 minutes of cooking time, it is a convenient option for busy schedules.
02 -
  • Optimal Marinating: If time allows, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to deepen the ginger and garlic infusion.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure your pearl couscous is a gluten-free variety if needed.
  • Texture Control: Rinse the cucumber and carrots in ice-cold water before dicing to maximize their crunchiness.
Go Back