Herbed Chicken and Couscous Bowl with Tzatziki
A wholesome Mediterranean bowl featuring tender herbed grilled chicken, fluffy couscous tossed with vegetables and olive oil, and a cooling tzatziki sauce. It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for lunch or dinner — balanced in flavor, texture, and nutrition.
⏱️ Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Herbed Chicken:
500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
Salt & black pepper to taste
Zest of ½ lemon
For the Couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup hot vegetable or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped cucumber
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley or mint leaves
Lemon wedges
Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Add the chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Couscous
1. Bring broth to a boil, add olive oil and salt.
2. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Mix in cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust salt and olive oil to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
3. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki
1. Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill/mint, salt, and pepper.
2. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
1. Add a base of couscous salad to your bowl.
2. Top with sliced herbed chicken.
3. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
4. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedge, and olive oil drizzle.
Notes & Tips
You can swap couscous for quinoa or bulgur for extra fiber.
For more crunch, add roasted chickpeas or toasted pine nuts.
Chill the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled halloumi or chickpeas.
️ Serving Ideas
Serve with grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant).
Pair with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean plate.
⚖️ Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 40g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g