Creamy Greek Chicken & Pearl Couscous Bake

Experience the vibrant Mediterranean flavors of this Creamy Greek Chicken & Pearl Couscous Bake. This comforting one-pan meal brings together tender chicken thighs and nutty pearl couscous in a tangy, lemony sauce, making it a perfect, wholesome dinner for any day of the week.

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The secret to this dish is the way the chicken juices mingle with the toasted pearl couscous as it bakes. By nestling the marinated thighs directly onto the couscous and spinach mixture, you ensure every bite is infused with savory lemon and garlic notes.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 500 g), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and zest of 1 lemon.
• Couscous & Vegetables: 1 cup (180 g) pearl couscous, 1 small yellow onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, juice of 1 lemon, ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese, and ¼ cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese.
• Garnish: Fresh dill or parsley (chopped) and lemon wedges.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft (about 3 minutes), then stir in the garlic for 1 minute.

Step 4: Toast Couscous

Add pearl couscous to the skillet and toast, stirring, for 2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden.

Step 5: Combine Liquids

Pour in chicken broth, milk, and lemon juice. Stir in the chopped spinach, half of the feta, and all the Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Assemble

Nestle the marinated chicken thighs on top of the couscous mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the couscous is creamy.

Step 8: Garnish

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining feta and fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, ensure you toast the pearl couscous until golden to add a nutty depth to the dish. Always use an ovenproof skillet to transition seamlessly from the stovetop to the oven, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, though you may need to adjust the baking time. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream with the milk, or stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this creamy bake immediately while hot, topped with fresh dill or parsley. It pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Greek salad and a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the lemony sauce.

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With 37g of protein per serving and a total cooking time of 55 minutes, this Creamy Greek Chicken & Pearl Couscous Bake is a balanced and satisfying meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well in this dish. They may cook slightly faster than thighs, so check for doneness around 25 minutes of baking time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

→ What can I substitute for pearl couscous?

You can use regular couscous, orzo pasta, or even rice. Adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly—regular couscous will need less liquid and cooking time, while rice may need more.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The baked dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, reduce the amount of feta cheese, or add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also remove the chicken skin if using skin-on thighs.

→ What other Greek ingredients can I add?

Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers all complement the flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle extra dried oregano or add fresh mint before serving.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to step 6, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.