Greek Grilled Chicken and Lemon Couscous

As much as this blog makes it seem otherwise, I eat out a lot. Cooking is something that I love, but do not force on myself when not in the mood. One place that is always on the favorites list is Rockit in Chicago. It is a staple for me and all of my friends, so I have tried pretty much everything on the menu. One dish that is ordered for dinner frequently, and usually by more than one person in the party, is the Chicken Paillard. It is flattened chicken with a cucumber, tomato and feta salad. It is fresh, healthy and delicious. I wanted to take a stab at making a homemade version and came up with this. It was delicious and will most certainly be on summer rotation. I served it with warm pita and the tzatziki from this post.

Greek Grilled Chicken with Lemon Couscous
Forks & Amusement 2011
serves 4

1 1/3 cup whole wheat couscous (in the rice section of the market)
2 cups chicken stock or water
salt and pepper
juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1 minced shallot or garlic clove
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
2 cucumbers, deseeded and diced
1/2 cup sliced peperoncini (optional)
1/2 cup crumbled feta
2 lbs. thinly sliced chicken breasts (one of my fave new market finds) or 4 breasts pounded thinly

In a small sauce pan, bring the stock or water to boil. Place the couscous in a heat safe bowl and pour the stock over it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Set aside in fridge or freezer to cool. (Can be made in advance)

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, oregano, and shallot. Slowly add the oil while whisking until well combined.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill on each side for a few minutes until cooked through.

Toss tomatoes, cucumbers, peperoncini, and feta in bowl with vinaigrette. To serve, place a mound of couscous on each plate, place chicken on top, then layer the tomato and cucumber salad.

Enjoy!
xo
Erin