Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lemon-marinated chicken breasts served over fluffy herb-infused couscous with a bright citrus glaze for a light, refreshing weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Bring 1 cup chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add 1 cup couscous, stir, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Fluff couscous with a fork, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Slice rested chicken and serve over herb couscous.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Dill Chicken with Herb Couscous gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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