Save to Pinterest Tender chicken, pearl couscous, baby spinach, and tangy feta come together in a creamy, lemony Greek-inspired bake — a comforting one-pan meal brimming with Mediterranean flavor. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a wholesome dinner that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing taste.
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By nesting marinated chicken thighs directly onto the couscous mixture, the grains soak up the savory juices as the dish bakes. The addition of fresh spinach and salty Parmesan creates a balanced, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
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- 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, Zest of 1 lemon
- Couscous & Vegetables: 1 cup (180 g) pearl couscous, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped, 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, ¼ cup (20 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish (optional): Fresh dill or parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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.
- 3. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 4. Toast the Grains
- Add pearl couscous and toast, stirring, for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- 5. Combine Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, and lemon juice. Stir in chopped spinach, half of the feta, and all the Parmesan.
- 6. Assemble
- Nestle the marinated chicken thighs on top of the couscous mixture.
- 7. Bake
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and the couscous is tender.
- 8. Garnish
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle with remaining feta and fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Toasting the pearl couscous before adding liquid is essential for a nutty flavor and to prevent the grains from becoming too soft. Always ensure your skillet is oven-safe before starting the stovetop steps.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, adjusting the baking time to ensure they stay moist. For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream with the milk. You can also add Mediterranean flair with chopped sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this one-pan bake alongside a crisp Greek salad and crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce. A side of roasted vegetables also makes a wonderful addition to this meal.
Save to Pinterest With the combination of tender protein and velvety grains, this Creamy Greek Chicken & Pearl Couscous Bake is a flavorful solution for a comforting dinner. The citrus and herb notes will make it a household favorite for any night of the week.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well in this dish. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes to prevent drying, and consider pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- → Is pearl couscous the same as regular couscous?
No, pearl couscous (also known as ptitim or Israeli couscous) is larger and chewier than traditional North African couscous. It holds up beautifully in creamy dishes and absorbs flavors well during baking.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the whole milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and replace feta and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for a similar savory element.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
A crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion complements the creamy richness. Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers work beautifully too.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Assemble everything up to step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- → What makes the sauce creamy?
The combination of whole milk, chicken broth, and melting Parmesan creates a luscious sauce as the couscous cooks. The starch released from the couscous naturally thickens the liquid during baking.
