Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Couscous & Feta. Just saying it out loud makes me hungry. Sweet honey, tangy balsamic, juicy grilled chicken—it’s the kind of flavor combo you don’t forget. Honestly, the first time I tried honey balsamic glaze on chicken, I thought, “Where has this been my whole life?” It’s that good. And when you spoon it over fluffy couscous with crumbles of salty feta and bursts of fresh cherry tomatoes… you’ve got dinner that feels both effortless and special.
The best part? This isn’t a complicated dish. It comes together quickly, looks beautiful on the table, and somehow manages to taste like you fussed over it for hours. Perfect for weeknights when you need something nourishing but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through everything from marinating the chicken to fluffing couscous just right. By the end, I’m betting this will be one of those recipes you keep on repeat. Let’s dive in.
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Overview of Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Couscous & Feta
Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so special.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is balanced in all the right ways. The chicken gets a sticky, caramelized glaze from honey and balsamic vinegar. Couscous brings that quick-cooking fluffiness, almost like tiny pasta pearls, while feta adds creamy saltiness. Toss in parsley and juicy cherry tomatoes and suddenly, you’ve got Mediterranean sunshine in a bowl.
The Taste Factor
Think savory-sweet chicken with a tangy glaze, spooned over couscous that soaks up all those juices. Every bite has a contrast—soft couscous, crumbly feta, bright herbs, juicy tomatoes. It’s satisfying without being heavy, light enough for warm days but cozy enough for cooler ones.
The Benefits
- Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Nutritious: Protein from chicken, fiber from couscous, calcium from feta.
- Versatile: Works for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
- Mediterranean-inspired: Those fresh, clean flavors that feel good for your body.
This recipe is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for simplicity.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need. Simple pantry staples plus a few fresh add-ins.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 (boneless, skinless) | Could sub chicken thighs |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra virgin for best flavor |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tbsp | Adds tangy depth |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | Balances the vinegar |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Or 2 minced garlic cloves |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust at the end |
| Couscous | 1 cup, cooked | Follow package directions |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup, crumbled | Adds creamy saltiness |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup, chopped | Bright, fresh flavor |
| Cherry tomatoes | ½ cup, halved | Adds juiciness and color |
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl for marinade
- Whisk
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Pot with lid for couscous
- Cutting board + sharp knife
Nothing fancy here—you can even make it indoors on a grill pan if the weather’s not cooperating.
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Grain swap: Try quinoa, bulgur, or even rice if couscous isn’t handy.
- Cheese alternatives: Goat cheese instead of feta for creaminess.
- Veggie boost: Toss in cucumbers, roasted bell peppers, or olives.
- Herb switch: Mint or basil if you don’t have parsley.
- Protein variation: Works beautifully with salmon or shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whisk the marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).
- Cook the couscous: While chicken marinates, cook couscous according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Finish couscous: Stir in feta, parsley, and cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble: Place couscous mixture in bowls or on plates. Top with grilled chicken. Drizzle with any extra honey balsamic marinade.
Tip: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Keeps it juicy.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile, so play with how you serve it:
- As a warm bowl dinner, topped with extra herbs.
- Sliced chicken tucked into pita bread with couscous as filling.
- Paired with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad.
Love hearty bowls? Try this refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl with Chickpeas & Feta for another flavor-packed idea.
Tips for Making Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even 20–30 minutes makes a huge difference.
- Grill temperature matters: Medium heat avoids burning the honey.
- Keep couscous fluffy: Fluff with a fork, never stir aggressively.
- Balance flavors: Taste couscous after adding feta; adjust with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat couscous gently in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it soft.
- Chicken can be reheated on the stove with a little olive oil to restore moisture.
- Or… slice cold chicken and enjoy it over a salad the next day.
General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 min marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: High Protein
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~360 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Can I meal-prep this?
Absolutely. Store couscous and chicken separately for best texture.
What if I don’t eat dairy?
Just skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—boneless thighs work great and often stay juicier.
Conclusion
Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Couscous & Feta is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly easy. Juicy chicken, sweet and tangy glaze, couscous tossed with feta and herbs—it’s colorful, flavorful, and nourishing all at once.
If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy the veggie-packed Roasted Veggie Bowl with Feta Orzo or the flavor-loaded Grilled Greek Chicken Bowl. Both are perfect companions to this dish and keep the Mediterranean theme alive.
Now it’s your turn—try this recipe, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest. And don’t forget to leave a review below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Print
Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Couscous & Feta | Easy 30-Min Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy honey balsamic grilled chicken served over fluffy couscous with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and sweet cherry tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired dinner is simple enough for weeknights but feels special enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup couscous, cooked according to package instructions
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken breasts, turning to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
While chicken grills, fluff cooked couscous with a fork. Stir in feta, parsley, and cherry tomatoes.
Serve grilled chicken over couscous mixture. Drizzle with any remaining honey-balsamic marinade.
Notes
Swap couscous with quinoa, bulgur, or rice for variety.
Add roasted peppers, cucumbers, or olives for more Mediterranean flair.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + 1 cup couscous mixture
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg