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Mediterranean Bliss: Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous Recipe

4.9 from 130 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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