Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowls

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with these Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowls. This dish brings together the satisfying texture of Mediterranean pearl couscous and the vibrant, zesty notes of an Asian-inspired sesame-ginger dressing. It is a wholesome, dairy-free meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

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Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a fresh dinner idea, these bowls offer a satisfying crunch from shredded carrots and cucumbers paired with tender, oven-baked chicken. The toasted pearl couscous provides a wonderful base that absorbs every drop of the savory dressing.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
• 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on the prepared sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 3

While chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pearl couscous and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.

Step 4

Add chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 5

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, sriracha (if using), and sesame seeds to make the dressing.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked couscous with the sesame-ginger dressing. Toss well to coat.

Step 7

To assemble bowls, divide couscous among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, cucumber, carrots, edamame, green onions, and herbs. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a small portion of the sesame-ginger dressing for 30 minutes before roasting. Always ensure you toast the pearl couscous as instructed, as this creates a nutty aroma that defines the base of the bowl.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is easily adaptable. You can substitute the pearl couscous with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture. To make the dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for roasted tofu or tempeh. For those with gluten sensitivities, use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose a gluten-free grain like rice.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls warm with extra lime wedges to brighten the flavors. For a complete dining experience, pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Asian lager. The fresh cilantro and roasted nuts add a beautiful final touch of texture and color.

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

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Enjoy this flavorful journey that combines the best of two culinary worlds. These Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowls are sure to become a staple in your rotation for healthy, satisfying meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and replace pearl couscous with quinoa or brown rice. Both alternatives work well with the sesame-ginger dressing and maintain the bowl's satisfying texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing on the side and toss with the couscous just before serving to prevent sogginess. Reheat chicken gently and add fresh vegetables when ready to eat.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Use about 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to skip the roasting step. This reduces total time to approximately 25 minutes. Add the chicken at the end when assembling bowls.

→ What can I substitute for pearl couscous?

Quinoa, brown rice, or orzo pasta work well as alternatives. Adjust cooking times according to package instructions. Quinoa takes about 15 minutes, while brown rice may require 40-45 minutes to cook through.

→ Is the sesame-ginger dressing spicy?

The base dressing has mild heat from fresh ginger and garlic. The sriracha is optional, so you can control the spice level. Omit it completely for a family-friendly version, or add extra if you prefer more heat.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace chicken with firm roasted tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Press and cube extra-firm tofu, then roast or pan-fry until golden. The preparation time remains similar, and the dish stays just as satisfying.