Stuffed Chicken Breast with Lemon Couscous

Ok, guys, sorry for the hiatus.  I guess you could say life got in the way.  But worry not, I am back and ready to cook!

Sometimes I go through little spells when the thought of cooking wears me out before I even step into the kitchen, I guess that's kind of how I felt this past week.  But last night, I snapped out of it and ventured back into the kitchen for this little number.

We had our friends Becca and Drew over for dinner.  So I had some help from my best friend, Becca.  She was in charge of the sides :)  We had some delicious sauteed brussels sprouts and asparagus.  All in all, a great meal, enjoyed with great people!

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

4 medium chicken breasts (boneless)
1/4 cup light garlic and herb spreadable cheese
1/4 cup drained and chopped roasted red pepper (I roasted a red bell pepper myself)
8 fresh basil leaves chopped
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Lemon and Basil Couscous

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/3 cup water
1 cup couscous
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice


Prepare stuffed chicken breasts:  with tip of knife, cut each chicken breast along one long side, keeping knife parallel to surface of breast, to form a deep pocket with as small an opening as possible.

(If grilling...I baked in the oven at 400 for 40 minutes), prepare outdoor grill over medium heat
In small bowl, combine cheese, roasted red pepper, and basil.  Stuff one fourth cheese mixture into each chicken pocket.  Rub oil on outside of chicken and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Prepare lemon couscous: In 2 quart saucepan, heat oil, salt, pepper, and water to boiling over high heat: stir in couscous.  Cover pan; remove from heat and let stand at least 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place chicken on hot grill over medium high heat, and grill until juices run clear .  12 to 15 minutes, turning over once.

Add basil and lemon juice to couscous, fluff with fork until well mixed.
garlic and herb cheese spread and basil

Roasted red pepper

 The chicken stuffed with the cheese, basil, and red pepper

 The couscous

 All cooked and ready to eat!

 Becca made some asparagus and brussels sprouts with lemon and garlic

 The couscous with basil and lemon added in

 Ready to eat!

This dinner was delicious.  It was healthy and filling.  I loved the lemon taste to it, it really was refreshing.  I've never had couscous before and was really impressed with it.  I liked the texture and how light and airy it was.  I highly recommend this!

Happy cooking!