Mediterranean Bliss: Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous Recipe
Mediterranean Bliss: Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender lemon-oregano marinated chicken breasts, complemented by a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Served over fluffy couscous infused with citrus and chicken broth, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of bright, zesty, and savory Mediterranean flavors that is both wholesome and satisfying.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Low Salt
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb)
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Marinade & Chicken
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (≈ 3 Tbsp)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh mint, minced
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for couscous)
- Fresh lemon zest (for garnish)
- Additional fresh dill or mint leaves (for garnish)
- Marinate & Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, juice of 1 large lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp dried oregano, ½ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified. Add the 4 chicken breasts, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Sear and Finish the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding them. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a deep golden crust forms. Then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: While the chicken is baking, combine 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, the grated and well-drained ½ cucumber, 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp minced fresh mint, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ tsp salt in a bowl. Stir gently until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to chill; this will deepen the flavors and keep the sauce fresh and crisp.
- Cook the Couscous: Bring 1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in 1 cup couscous and 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, then immediately remove from heat. Cover tightly and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth. Fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt and a zest of lemon for a bright, citrusy finish.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts on a bias and arrange them over a bed of the fluffy couscous. Dollop generous spoonfuls of chilled tzatziki alongside the chicken. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and extra sprigs of dill or mint leaves for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, enjoying the warm, tender chicken alongside the cool, refreshing tzatziki and citrus-infused couscous.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, but for best flavor, marinate up to 24 hours.
- Ensure the cucumber is well-drained in the tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken doneness for safety and optimal juiciness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or vegetables and keep the same marinade and tzatziki.
- Leftover tzatziki can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust salt levels according to your preference and dietary needs.
Keywords: Greek chicken, tzatziki sauce, couscous, Mediterranean recipe, lemon oregano chicken, healthy chicken dish, homemade tzatziki, easy chicken dinner