Lebanese Grilled Chicken & Eggplant

Warm-spiced grilled chicken, smoky eggplant, and juicy September tomatoes make this Lebanese-inspired dinner fresh, colorful, and weeknight-friendly.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $15
  • Calories per serving: 760 cal
  • Grill
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    12 ounces $5.99
  • Organic Eggplant
    1 large (about 1 pound) $3.49
  • Couscous
    2/3 cup (about 4 ounces) $7.81
  • Organic Dry Farmed Tomato
    8 ounces $4.99
  • Italian Parsley Bunch
    1/2 cup chopped leaves $1.49
  • Organic Lemons
    3 tablespoons juice $1.29
  • garlic
    3 cloves
  • extra-virgin olive oil
    3 tablespoons
  • Morton kosher salt
    2 3/4 teaspoons, divided
  • ground cumin
    1 1/2 teaspoons, divided
  • ground coriander
    1 teaspoon
  • smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • ground black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon, divided
  • water
    2/3 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Pat 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs dry. Slice 1 large eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick planks. Dice 8 ounces dry-farmed tomato, chop 1/2 cup parsley leaves, and mince 3 garlic cloves.

  2. Coat the chicken with the marinade:

    • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 2 minced garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Let stand for 15 minutes while preparing the other components.

  3. Coat the eggplant planks on both sides with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

  4. Bring 2/3 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 2/3 cup couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

  5. Make the tomato-parsley salad by combining the prepared tomato and parsley with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt.

  6. Grill the eggplant until tender and well marked, 4–5 minutes per side. Grill the marinated chicken alongside it for 5–7 minutes per side, pulling it at 175°F. Transfer the chicken to a board and rest for 5 minutes.

  7. Divide the couscous between two plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken, grilled eggplant, and the tomato-parsley salad, spooning its juices over everything.

Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony chicken, smoky eggplant, and fresh tomato salad.