Chicken Couscous Lunchbox
Fluffy couscous tossed with diced chicken, peas and grated carrot in a light lemon dressing — ready in 20 minutes and perfect for lunchboxes.
Prep
12 min
Cook
8 min
Total
20 min
Yield
4 child portions
Nutrition note
Chicken provides protein and iron. Couscous supplies carbohydrate, while peas and carrot add fiber and color.
Ingredients
- 11 cup (170 g) couscous
- 21 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken stock or water
- 31 cup (140 g) cooked chicken, diced small
- 41/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas
- 51/2 cup (60 g) finely grated carrot
- 61 tablespoon olive oil
- 71 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
- 1
Place couscous and peas in a bowl. Pour over hot stock, cover and rest for 5 minutes.
- 2
Fluff with a fork and cool.
- 3
Stir in chicken, carrot, olive oil and lemon juice.
- 4
Divide into lunch containers and chill promptly.
Complete the Meal
Pack with yogurt and fruit.
Allergens
Contains wheat. Check stock for allergens.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use quinoa or rice for gluten-free lunchboxes.
- Use chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate for up to 2 days and keep chilled in an insulated lunchbox.
Freezer Guidance
Do not freeze the assembled salad.
Picky-Eater Strategy
Keep a portion of plain couscous and chicken in separate compartments.
Little Helper Job
Let your child fluff the couscous and add peas.
Evidence-informed draft; pending review by a licensed pediatric dietitian before public health claims are made.