Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Meal Prep

Featured in Master the Art of Main Course Creation.

This Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Meal Prep combines Mediterranean flavors with practical meal planning. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with herbs are paired with fluffy couscous and a colorful medley of roasted vegetables including zucchini, bell peppers, and garlic. With 61g of protein and 7.5g of fiber per serving, it's both nutritious and satisfying. The entire recipe makes four complete meal prep portions that store well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for busy professionals or anyone looking for convenient, healthy lunches throughout the week.
Rana
Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 22:18:31 GMT
Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Recipe Pin it
Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Recipe | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Transform your meal prep routine with these flavorful Mediterranean-inspired chicken and couscous bowls. Each container delivers perfectly seasoned chicken breasts alongside fluffy couscous studded with colorful roasted vegetables. The combination creates a protein-packed, fiber-rich meal that satisfies hunger while delivering impressive nutrition.

After experimenting with various meal prep combinations, this chicken and couscous pairing quickly became our weekly staple. The way the herb-coated chicken complements the vegetable-studded couscous creates a meal that's anything but boring.

Essential Bowl Elements

  • Chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for consistent cooking
  • Mediterranean herbs: Create perfect flavor foundation
  • Colorful bell peppers: Add sweetness and visual appeal
  • Fresh zucchini: Provides tender vegetable contrast
  • Red onions: Caramelize beautifully when roasted
  • Whole garlic cloves: Roast for incredible flavor infusion
  • Quality couscous: Creates perfect fluffy base
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens finished dish
The Best Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Pin it
The Best Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous | flavorsenthusiasts.com

Creating Bowl Magic

Vegetable Preparation
Cut pieces uniformly for even roasting.
Perfect Seasoning
Create herb paste for maximum chicken flavor.
Chicken Thinning
Pound breasts to ensure even cooking.
Roasting Technique
Cook vegetables until caramelized edges form.
Garlic Infusion
Press roasted cloves into couscous for depth.
Couscous Perfection
Fluff with fork for ideal light texture.
Strategic Assembly
Layer components for balanced distribution.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve these protein-rich bowls with simple additions that complement their Mediterranean character. Include a small container of hummus for extra protein and creaminess. For a complete lunch, add a side of fresh fruit or olives. In our home, we love including a lemon wedge to squeeze over the bowl just before eating, brightening all the flavors.

Creative Variations

Transform these bowls with thoughtful adaptations while maintaining their nutritional profile. Try different herbs like dill and mint for a Greek-inspired version. Create a Moroccan twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon and dried fruits. My family's favorite variation includes roasted eggplant and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Storage Success

Keep your meal prep fresh with proper techniques. Store completely cooled components in glass containers with airtight seals. For best texture, store chicken separately from couscous if possible. When reheating, add a small splash of water to the couscous to restore moisture, and warm chicken gently to prevent drying.

Prep Day Efficiency

Make meal prep day more efficient with smart planning. Chop all vegetables at once while the oven preheats. Use the baking time to prepare other components for the week. Create an assembly line for portioning to streamline the process. The versatile base recipe welcomes adaptations for variety throughout the week.

Dietary Adaptations

Modify these bowls for different needs while maintaining their appeal. Create a vegan version using chickpeas as suggested, seasoned with the same herb blend. Make it gluten-free by substituting quinoa for couscous. The adaptable nature of this recipe makes it perfect for accommodating various dietary requirements.

Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous Pin it
Baked Herb Chicken Breasts with Couscous | flavorsenthusiasts.com

After incorporating these bowls into countless meal prep sessions, I've discovered they're more than just convenient - they're genuinely delicious meals that prevent mid-week takeout temptations. Whether packed for lunch or enjoyed for dinner, these chicken and couscous bowls never fail to satisfy while supporting nutrition goals. The combination of quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation creates something truly special that makes healthy eating enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole wheat couscous?
Yes, whole wheat couscous works well and adds extra fiber to the meal.
→ How can I adjust this for more calories?
Add more olive oil to the vegetables, include nuts in the couscous, or increase the portion size.
→ Can I freeze these meal prep containers?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What's the best way to reheat this meal?
Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Adding a splash of water helps prevent the couscous from drying out.
→ Can I substitute the couscous with something else?
Quinoa, rice, or bulgur wheat make good alternatives while maintaining similar nutritional benefits.

Mediterranean Chicken Meal Prep

A protein-rich meal prep featuring herb-seasoned chicken breasts paired with fluffy couscous and colorful roasted vegetables.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Rana

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 meal prep bowls)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

01 2 zucchini
02 2 red bell peppers
03 1 yellow bell pepper
04 2 red onions
05 8 cloves garlic, peeled
06 1 cup couscous
07 1.5 cups vegetable broth
08 1 cup parsley, chopped
09 2 Tbsp olive oil
10 pinch of salt and black pepper

→ Baked Chicken Breast

11 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 lbs)
12 3 Tbsp olive oil
13 2 tsp dried oregano
14 1 tsp dried basil
15 1 tsp garlic powder
16 1/4 tsp salt
17 pinch of pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400F (205C). Chop zucchini, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Slice onion and peel garlic cloves. Now place all of the vegetables, onion, and garlic on a large baking sheet.

Step 02

Spray them with olive oil and toss to coat them as evenly as possible. Finally, add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Now, roast the vegetables in the oven for 45 minutes and make sure to stir them every 15 minutes.

Step 03

Now, get a saucepan while you're roasting the vegetables. Bring vegetable broth to boil and add in the couscous. Cover it with the lid and turn off the heat, wait for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs all the broth, and uncover the saucepan. Give the couscous a stir to make sure it's light and fluffy.

Step 04

While vegetables are roasting, combine oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with olive oil. Stir well, and it should form a nice paste.

Step 05

Take out your chicken breasts, gently pound them with a mallet if they're a little thicker than usual. Cover them with the paste we've just made.

Step 06

Bake in a baking tray for 20 minutes. Make sure you cool it down before slicing it.

Step 07

Finally, combine couscous with roasted vegetables. Press in garlic and chop some parsley. Combine all the ingredients together and divide them into food containers. Top it up with slices of chicken. Store in the fridge while tightly sealed for up to 3 days.

Notes

  1. High in protein (61g per serving)
  2. Good source of fiber (7.5g per serving)
  3. Keeps in fridge for up to 3 days
  4. Suitable for packable lunches

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking sheet
  • Baking tray
  • Saucepan
  • Meal prep containers
  • Meat mallet (optional)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 633
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein: 61 g