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Various delicious 30 minute dinner ideas spread on a kitchen countertop, ready for cooking

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Quick Couscous and Sautéed Spinach

This Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken with Quick Couscous and Sautéed Spinach is a vibrant and healthy meal. Featuring tender chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served alongside fluffy quick-cooking couscous and perfectly wilted spinach, it is ideal for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Small pot
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Lemon juiced and zested
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Couscous & Spinach

  • 1 cup Quick-cooking couscous
  • 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth for couscous
  • 5 oz Fresh spinach
  • 1 tbsp Butter Optional for spinach
  • Fresh parsley Optional for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Combine sliced chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; toss to coat.
  • Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a boil, then remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Cooking

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, sauté the fresh spinach (with optional butter) for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.

Assembly

  • Divide the couscous among plates, top with the lemon herb chicken and sautéed spinach, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Ensure the skillet is hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken without overcooking. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option for the couscous. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also be added with parsley at the end for an extra burst of freshness.