Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herbed Couscous and Lemon Yogurt Sauce
This is a restaurant-quality Mediterranean dish made right at home! Juicy grilled chicken marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, served over fluffy herbed couscous with a cool, creamy lemon-yogurt sauce. It’s bright, filling, healthy — and incredibly delicious. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or impressing guests!
⏱ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 mins marinating)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 thighs)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the herbed couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling water or broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tbsp chopped mint
2 tbsp chopped dill or basil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the lemon yogurt sauce:
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions:
Sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese
Warm pita bread or flatbread
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice & zest, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Cook the couscous:
In a bowl, add couscous, olive oil, salt, and boiling water/broth. Cover with a lid or plate.
Let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, mint, and dill.
3. Make the yogurt sauce
In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice & zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Grill or pan-sear the chicken
Grill on medium-high or pan-sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
5. Assemble
Plate couscous, top with grilled chicken slices, drizzle with lemon yogurt sauce.
Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, or pita if desired.
Notes
No grill? Use a grill pan or regular skillet.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas.
Meal prep: All components can be made ahead and stored separately.
Tips
- Don’t skip the resting time for chicken — it keeps juices in.
- For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Add roasted red peppers or avocado for bonus flavor and texture.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use rice or quinoa instead of couscous?
A: Yes! Quinoa or bulgur are great Mediterranean alternatives.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Absolutely — thighs stay juicier and are full of flavor.
Q: How long does the yogurt sauce last?
A: Up to 4 days in the fridge, covered.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Calcium: 15% DV