Grecian-Style Chicken
Grecian-Style Chicken features tender chicken coated in wheat germ, complemented by fresh vegetables and citrus, perfect for a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 12 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup wheat germ ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced into rings ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons lime or lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked couscous ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts.
- Place wheat germ in a small bowl; coat the chicken with wheat germ.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, cook zucchini, green pepper, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in the remaining hot oil for 3 minutes.
- Add water to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime or lemon juice and tomato wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken coating, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of wheat germ. If you’re unable to find wheat germ, finely crushed nuts can provide a similar texture. Feel free to swap the vegetables based on seasonal availability; yellow and green squash or grated zucchini can be delightful additions. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and consider marinating the chicken in lime juice for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Grecian-Style Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked couscous for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or grilled vegetables, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors. Consider offering a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast, or explore more Mediterranean recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. The couscous can be fluffed with a fork before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grecian-Style Chicken contains roughly 221 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2029mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. This can be done overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for couscous?
If you don’t have couscous, quinoa or bulgur are excellent substitutes that will still provide a hearty base for the dish. You can also try rice for a different texture, or even serve it with Lonormi's Fat-Free, Guilt-Free Pasta Salad for a refreshing side.
How can I add more flavor to the chicken?
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, consider marinating it in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before coating it with wheat germ. Adding spices like oregano or paprika can also elevate the dish further.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).