Save Discover a vibrant fusion of flavors with these Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowls. This dish features tender chicken breast served over a base of chewy Mediterranean pearl couscous, all brought together by a zesty, homemade sesame-ginger dressing and crisp vegetables. It is the perfect easy meal for anyone looking for a fresh, protein-packed lunch or dinner.
Save The secret to this bowl's depth of flavor lies in the dual use of sesame and ginger in both the chicken marinade and the dressing. The pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, provides a unique toasted texture that beautifully absorbs the tangy sauce, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
Chicken- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chicken breasts with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- 2. Cook the Couscous
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add pearl couscous, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- 3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- 4. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, Sriracha (if using), and lime juice until well combined.
- 5. Assemble the Bowls
- In a large bowl, toss cooked couscous with half of the sesame-ginger dressing. Divide couscous among 4 bowls.
- 6. Garnish and Serve
- Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cucumber, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds. Serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To save time during the week, you can prepare the couscous and the dressing in advance. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the chicken and assemble. Make sure to fluff the couscous immediately after cooking to keep the pearls from sticking together.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with baked tofu or roasted chickpeas. You can also increase the nutrient density of the bowl by adding sliced avocado or edamame for extra protein and a creamy texture.
Serviervorschläge
These bowls are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. For a complete dining experience, pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zesty lime and ginger notes.
Save With its balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, the Sesame Ginger Chicken Couscous Bowl is a nourishing choice that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Enjoy the vibrant colors and aromatic sesame finish of this easy-to-make fusion dish.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of couscous works best for these bowls?
Pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) works best because it has a larger, chewier texture that holds up well in bowls. Regular couscous can be used but will have a softer texture.
- → Can I make these bowls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the couscous, chicken, and dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with baked tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking the couscous. The sesame-ginger dressing works perfectly with plant-based proteins.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Sliced avocado, edamame, sugar snap peas, shredded cabbage, or roasted sweet potatoes all work wonderfully. Use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand for variety.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional couscous contains wheat, but you can substitute with gluten-free pearl couscous or quinoa. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the entire dish gluten-free.
- → How spicy is the sesame-ginger dressing?
The Sriracha is optional and adds mild heat. Without it, the dressing has a balanced tangy-sweet flavor from the rice vinegar, honey, and fresh ginger. Adjust the spice level to your preference.