# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pearl Couscous
05 - 1 1/2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
06 - 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Sesame-Ginger Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
10 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
11 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
16 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
17 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Vegetables and Toppings
18 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
19 - 1 cup shredded carrots
20 - 1 cup shelled cooked edamame
21 - 4 green onions, sliced
22 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
23 - 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
24 - Lime wedges for serving
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on prepared sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
03 - While chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pearl couscous and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
04 - Add chicken broth and salt to toasted couscous. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
05 - In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, lime juice, sriracha if using, and sesame seeds until well combined.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked couscous with sesame-ginger dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat all grains evenly.
07 - Divide dressed couscous among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, cucumber, carrots, edamame, green onions, and fresh herbs. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
08 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
