If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, bright, and full of flavor, lemon herb grilled chicken with couscous should be on your menu. It’s a balanced meal that’s easy to make and satisfying enough for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something wholesome but not too heavy.
The star of the dish is, of course, the grilled chicken. Marinated in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano, the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful with just a hint of char from the grill. The lemon not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a sunny brightness that pairs perfectly with the herbs.
While the chicken is marinating or grilling, you can prepare the couscous. It cooks in just minutes, making it an ideal base for this dish. Once fluffed, it’s tossed with a bit of olive oil, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and, if you like, a handful of finely chopped vegetables such as cucumber, red onion, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and color.
To bring it all together, serve the sliced grilled chicken over a generous bed of couscous. Add a wedge of lemon on the side and sprinkle some extra herbs on top for a fresh finish. For extra creaminess, a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a light tzatziki makes a great accompaniment.
What makes this dish really shine is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and fresh, and the flavors are clean and vibrant. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it came from a sunny café in the Mediterranean, but it’s easy enough to prepare any night of the week.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner, lemon herb grilled chicken with couscous is a reliable go-to. It tastes just as good cold as it does warm, making it perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or leftovers the next day.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 lemons juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp thyme chopped, fresh
- 1 tbsp rosemary chopped, fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve the grilled chicken with the couscous and enjoy!
I don’t understand why everyone loves this. The chicken was too dry for me and couscous is just weird.
I actually found the chicken juicy! Maybe try cooking it a bit less next time? And couscous is one of my faves!
I tried this recipe, but my chicken ended up a bit dry. Maybe I grilled it too long? Good flavors though!
Maybe try grilling for less time next time? 6-8 mins is usually right, but every grill is different! Glad you liked the flavors!
This was absolutely delicious! The chicken was juicy and full of flavor. Definitely making it again!
Couscous? Like the stuff you find in a can? I used rice instead. Still turned out pretty good tho.
Yum! I put a lil bit of hot sauce on mine for a kick. 🥵 Next time, I might add some veggies on the grill too!
Veggies? I dunno. I think it’s good just like that. Don’t mess with perfection! 😒
That sounds delicious! Hot sauce is a great idea! 🥳 Adding veggies will make it even better!
I can’t believe how easy this was! I usually mess up grilled chicken, but this turned out perfect.
I had a bit of a hard time with the grilling part. My chicken got kinda dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Lemon with chicken? Really? I thought that sounded weird but it was actually really good!
I know right? Lemon makes everything better! Glad you liked it!
This was so delicious! My family couldn’t get enough. The lemon really makes a difference!
what’s couscous?? Can I just use rice?? I wanna try but not sure about it.
Couscous is like tiny pasta, really! Rice would work too but couscous soaks up flavors better. Give it a go!
What’s couscous?! I’ve never heard of it! I just use rice for everything. Not sure if I wanna change now.
Perfect summer meal! I didn’t have chicken broth so I used water. Still good!
I don’t think it would taste as good with water. Chicken broth adds flavor! But if you liked it, that’s what matters!
Using water instead of chicken broth? That’s kinda bold! Glad it worked for you, tho!
I was really skeptical about the lemon flavor, but it turned out great! Chicken was juicy and flavorful.
Juicy? But how can chicken be juicy with lemon? I don’t know about this. Seems off.
I’m glad you liked it! Lemon really adds a nice zing, doesn’t it? I think I’ll try it with fish next time! 😊
Kinda bland. I think it needs more spices. I added some chili flakes and it helped.
Looks too complicated for me. Why not just fry the chicken? 🤷♂️
Lemon herb grilled chicken?? Yummy! Had it with some corn on the side. 10/10 would eat again!
Sounds delish! I need to try this recipe soon. How did you cook the corn?
Lemon chicken is da best. Yum! 🙌
Lemon chicken is indeed amazing! I make it all the time. What do you usually serve it with?
This recipe is amazing! The chicken came out so juicy and full of flavor. Definitely making it again!
The chicken was dry and the couscous was undercooked. I followed the recipe exactly tho! Not sure what went wrong.
Yummy! But roast chicken is way better lol.
I followed the recipe to the letter and the chicken tasted too sour! Maybe I used too much lemon? Not sure if I will make it again.
YUM!!! So good 🥰
This was so easy to make and tasted delicious! My whole family loved it. Will definitely make again!
I’m not a fan of couscous, can I just use rice instead? And is the chicken really supposed to rest? Never heard of that before.
Quick and easy. I added some veggies to the grill, turned out awesome!
This grilled chicken was amazing! The lemon herb marinade took it to another level. Definitely a recipe I’ll keep using! 5 stars!
I totally agree! That marinade is just perfect. I’ve tried it too and my family loved it! 5 stars from me as well!
Lemon and chicken? Sounds weird. I don’t think it’ll taste good. Plus, couscous is just fancy rice, right? Not impressed.
Wow, so fresh! I added some grilled veggies on the side, made it even better! Perfect for summer BBQs!
Too much lemon for me! I like chicken but not with all this sour. Couscous was fine, not special.
I totally get that! The lemon can be overpowering. Maybe try less juice next time? Still sounds good though!