Imagine a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite. This Roasted Chicken Couscous Salad is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines tender, juicy roasted chicken, fluffy couscous, and a burst of fresh vegetables that will make your palate dance with delight. Perfect for a quick lunch, elegant dinner, or impressive potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, roasted
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Season the whole chicken with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is roasting, prepare the couscous. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, then remove from heat. Add couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool to room temperature.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled couscous, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently mix.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, season your chicken generously with herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.
- Let the chicken rest after roasting to ensure the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Use warm chicken broth when preparing couscous for better absorption and fluffier texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use grilled chicken breast instead of roasting a whole chicken.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
- If you prefer a more intense dressing, add a touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - don't skip the parsley, and consider adding mint or basil for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
