Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemon and Basil Couscous

Garlic-and-herb cheese and roasted peppers are the surprise filling for these boneless breasts. Accompanied by a lemony herb couscous, this dish is elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.

PREP: 20 minutes GRILL: 12 to 15 minutes

MAKES: 4 main-dish servings

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS

4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 ¼ pounds total)

½ cup light garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (about half 4.4-ounce package)

½ cup drained and chopped jarred roasted red peppers

8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

LEMON AND BASIL COUSCOUS

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 18 cups water

1 cup couscous 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1. Prepare chicken breasts: With tip of knife, cut each chicken breast along one long side, keeping knife parallel to surface of breast, to form a deep pocket with as small an opening as possible.

2. Prepare outdoor grill for direct grilling over medium heat.

3. In small bowl, combine cheese, peppers, and basil. Stuff one-fourth cheese mixture into each chicken pocket. Rub oil on outside of chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Prepare couscous: In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil, salt, pepper, and water to boiling over high heat; stir in couscous. Cover pan; remove from heat and let stand at least 5 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, place chicken on hot grill rack and grill until juices run clear when thickest part of breast is pierced with tip of knife, 12 to 15 minutes, turning over once.

6. To serve, add basil and lemon juice to couscous; fluff with fork until well mixed. Spoon onto 4 dinner plates; top with chicken breasts.

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EACH SERVING CHICKEN: About 255 calories, 35g protein, 4g carbohydrate, 10g total fat (5g saturated), 113mg cholesterol, 560mg sodium

EACH SERVING COUSCOUS: About 205 calories, 6g protein, 37g carbohydrate, 4g total fat (1g saturated), 0mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium