Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Couscous Jars
Tender lemony chicken, fluffy couscous, crisp vegetables, and fragrant basil layered in jars with a bright citrus dressing.These jars look stunning, taste refreshing, and are ideal for diet-conscious eating without sacrificing flavor.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
Lemon Basil Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest & juice of 1 lemon
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Couscous Layer
1 cup couscous
1 cup hot vegetable or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Lemon Dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook couscous
Place couscous in a bowl.
Pour over hot broth and olive oil.
Cover and let steam 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Cook chicken
Toss chicken with olive oil, lemon zest & juice, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest, then slice thinly.
3. Make dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble jars
Lemon dressing
Couscous
Vegetables
Lemon basil chicken
Extra basil on top
Seal jars tightly.
Tips & Variations
Swap couscous for quinoa or bulgur for variety.
Add feta crumbles just before eating.
Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
Keeps fresh up to 3 days refrigerated.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 35 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: ~280 mg