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Lunch recipe

Herby Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes with Lemon

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Packable chicken pesto couscous boxes with lemon, herbs, and vegetables for a sturdy make-ahead lunch.

Start planningStart cookingIngredients
25 min540 kcal2 base servingsPackableSatisfyingColourful
ContainsGluten
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Recipe and nutrition estimates

Recipe times, servings, calories and nutrition notes are estimates for planning. They are not medical or dietary advice. Check food is cooked safely and adjust recipes for your household's needs.

Focus ingredients: chicken breast, pesto

Dietary fit: Lower Sugar

Serving tip: Let the couscous cool before closing the boxes so it stays fluffy rather than steaming itself soft.

Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes plated and ready to serve.

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Ingredients

What you need

  • 180g couscous
  • 300g chicken breast
  • 95g pesto
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

You'll also need

bowl, knife

Method

Step by step

Up to 8 clear steps
  1. Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes cooking step 1: Get prepped.
    Step 1

    Soak the couscous

    Boil water in a kettle or saucepan. Put 180g couscous in a heatproof bowl with a pinch of salt. Pour over enough boiling water to just cover it, cover the bowl, and leave for 5 minutes.

    5 min
  2. Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes cooking step 2: Start cooking.
    Step 2

    Prep the vegetables

    Prepare the vegetables.

  3. Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes cooking step 3: Build the flavour.
    Step 3

    Prepare the protein

    Slice the chicken breast into thin strips, then fry in a teaspoon of olive oil for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through with no pink in the centre. Cool for 2 minutes before folding through.

    8 min
  4. Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes cooking step 4: Bring it together.
    Step 4

    Mix the dressing

    Stir pesto and lemon with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a little black pepper, and a pinch of salt only if needed.

  5. Chicken Pesto Couscous Boxes cooking step 5: Finish the dish.
    Step 5

    Fluff and fold

    Fluff the couscous with a fork for 30 seconds, then fold through the dressing, chicken breast, and the vegetables.

    1 min
  6. Step 6

    Finish the boxes

    Scatter over any fresh herbs and squeeze over lemon. Taste for brightness, then portion into boxes and cool before chilling if packing ahead.