Pesto Chicken with Couscous

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and flavor-packed Pesto Chicken with Couscous recipe! Tender chicken breasts are generously coated in aromatic basil pesto and roasted alongside juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes for a burst of natural sweetness. Paired with fluffy couscous infused with butter, a hint of lemon, and optionally, a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy and healthy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. Garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color, this wholesome meal is sure to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

12 items

• 4 pieces Chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup Basil pesto
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Couscous
• 1.25 cups Water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil (for garnish)

📝 Instructions

10 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and coat them evenly with 1/2 cup of basil pesto.

3. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken on the baking sheet.

4. Drizzle the tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season with a pinch of salt.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. While the chicken is baking, prepare the couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil.

7. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 cup of couscous. Stir, turn off the heat, and cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

8. After the couscous has absorbed the liquid, fluff it with a fork and mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Optionally, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

9. When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

10. To serve, place a portion of couscous on a plate, top with a piece of pesto chicken and some roasted cherry tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (382.8g)

Calories		597
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		31.0 g	40%
	Saturated Fat	8.0 g	40%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		169 mg	56%
Sodium		945 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate		14.5 g	5%
	Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
	Total Sugars	2.7 g
Protein		62.0 g	124%
Vitamin D		0.1 mcg	1%
Calcium		222 mg	17%
Iron		2.7 mg	15%
Potassium		722 mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1111 cal (47.6%%)

Protein: 990 cal (42.5%%)

Carbs: 231 cal (9.9%%)