California Chicken Recipe

Name: California Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Olive or canola oil spray; 1/2 cup couscous; 1/2 to 3/4 pound chicken breasts or thighs; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips; 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup small pitted ripe olives, sliced; 1 firm-ripe avocado, sliced or cubed; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon celery salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1 tablespoon dry sherry; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Servings: persons

Olive or canola oil spray
1/2 cup couscous
1/2 to 3/4 pound chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup small pitted ripe olives, sliced
1 firm-ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dry sherry
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1
Preheat the oven to 450F.
2
Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive or canola oil.
3
Pour the couscous into the pot.
4
Add 1/2 cup water and stir to make an even layer of the grains.
5
Arrange the chicken on top of the couscous and season lightly with pepper.
6
Add the bell pepper, tomatoes, and olives in separate layers, and again season lightly with pepper.
7
Layer the avocado on top of everything.
8
In a small bowl, combine the onion, celery salt, marjoram, basil, sherry, and lemon juice and distribute over the ingredients in the pot.
9
Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven.
10
Serve immediately.
11
Calories: 566
12
Protein: 36g
13
Carbohydrates: 54g
14
Fat: 24g
15
Cholesterol: 75mg
16
Sodium: 1015mg
17
Fiber: 11g

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Olive or canola oil spray, 1/2 cup couscous, 1/2 to 3/4 pound chicken breasts or thighs, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and more.

Yes, California Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

California Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions