Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl with Tzatziki
This nourishing bowl features fluffy couscous, juicy herb-marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. It’s the perfect balance of protein, grains, and veggies – bright, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the herbed chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of ½ lemon
For the tzatziki:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Sliced cucumber
Kalamata olives
Crumbled feta
Fresh mint or parsley
Instructions
1. Marinate and cook the chicken
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken in marinade and let sit 15 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Prepare the couscous
Bring broth (or water), olive oil, and salt to a boil.
Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley and lemon zest.
3. Make the tzatziki
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill/mint, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and chill until serving.
4. Assemble the bowls
Place couscous as the base.
Top with sliced herbed chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
Garnish with parsley or mint.
Notes & Tips
For a heartier bowl, add roasted chickpeas or grilled zucchini.
Swap couscous with quinoa or bulgur if you prefer whole grains.
Extra tzatziki keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes – store couscous, chicken, and veggies separately. Add tzatziki fresh when serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki.
Q: What other herbs work for the chicken?
Fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil can replace oregano for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~490 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g