Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous Recipe

If you’re craving a meal bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness, then you’re going to absolutely love this Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous. This dish brings together tender, lemony marinated chicken grilled to perfection, a refreshing, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fluffy couscous that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s a Mediterranean delight that feels both comforting and elegant, perfect for dinner any night of the week when you want to impress or simply treat yourself to delicious home cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that’s as simple as it is sensational. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect balance of zest, creaminess, and texture that defines Greek cuisine.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade with Mediterranean character.
• Lemon juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidity that livens up the chicken and couscous.
• Garlic: Both minced garlic in marinade and tzatziki adds pungent aroma and savory depth.
• Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Greek herbs that build authentic flavor.
• Greek yogurt: The creamy base for tzatziki, giving it its signature tang.
• Cucumber: Grated and drained to keep tzatziki fresh, crisp, and cooling.
• Fresh dill (or dried): A fragrant herb that elevates the tzatziki with its subtle anise notes.
• Couscous: A quick-cooking grain that serves as the perfect light and fluffy bed for the chicken.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Used to cook the couscous adding savory depth.
• Lemon zest: Included in couscous for an extra layer of citrus aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
• Fresh parsley or mint (optional): Great for garnish and adding a bright herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade creates a vibrant, aromatic base that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with that unmistakable Mediterranean punch. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly, cover, and let them soak up the flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, a couple of hours will intensify the taste beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki

While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber that’s been squeezed to remove excess moisture. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents it from becoming watery. Add minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, lemon juice, and a handful of fresh or dried dill. Season lightly with salt, then chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld into a cool, refreshing sauce that perfectly complements the warm chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Couscous

Bring your vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, then stir in olive oil, lemon zest, couscous, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove the pan from heat and cover it, letting the couscous steam for about 5 minutes. When ready, fluff it with a fork for that lovely light and airy texture. You’ll want to keep this warm, so it pairs beautifully with the rest of your dish.

Step 4: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high or heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). If grilling, cook the marinated chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until you reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 Celsius). Alternatively, bake the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish for about 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through. The result is juicy, tender chicken with those gorgeous golden grill marks or a lovely baked finish.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Slice your cooked chicken breast and serve alongside a generous mound of fluffy couscous. Drizzle the chilled tzatziki over the chicken or offer it as a luscious dipping sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley or mint on top for a bright pop of color and freshness. Now, dig in and savor every bite of this Mediterranean masterpiece.

How to Serve Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or mint are classic accents that enhance the dish with their vibrant color and refreshing taste. You can also add a few lemon wedges for squeezing over just before eating, giving one final burst of citrus happiness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few Kalamata olives on the side can add visual appeal and a layered flavor twist too.

Side Dishes

This Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous is a spectacular main on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese, or some roasted vegetables drizzled in olive oil and herbs. A warm pita bread served alongside to scoop up the tzatziki is always a hit, making the meal feel more complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try building a beautiful platter with the couscous as a base, the sliced chicken fanned out elegantly, and generous dollops of tzatziki nestled in between. Garnish with edible flowers or sprigs of fresh herbs for a stunning, Instagram-worthy plate. You could even turn this into Mediterranean-inspired bowls topped with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a vibrant, build-your-own style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous stores beautifully in the fridge. Keep the chicken, couscous, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers to preserve their textures and flavors. The chicken will stay juicy for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki remains fresh and cool, and the couscous keeps its fluffiness when reheated gently.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is best done with the chicken and couscous only, as tzatziki doesn’t freeze well and may separate upon thawing. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. The couscous can be frozen in a separate container. Both will keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out—covering with foil during warming helps retain moisture. The couscous can be warmed in the microwave or on the stove with a sprinkle of water to fluff it back up. Always keep the tzatziki chilled and add it fresh at serving time for that signature creamy coolness that makes this dish so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try strained plain yogurt or a thick labneh for a similar creamy consistency. Avoid regular yogurt that’s too thin or runny.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the couscous with quinoa or a gluten-free grain like millet to keep it safe for gluten-free diets without losing any deliciousness.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great, but you can leave it up to 2 hours in the fridge for an even more intense lemon and herb flavor without losing texture.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

Dried dill works perfectly in this recipe—just use about one teaspoon. It still lends that lovely herbaceous note that makes tzatziki so special.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken with Tzatziki and Couscous is a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors that’s easy to put together and immensely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, it offers a fresh, wholesome, and vibrant meal that feels special yet approachable. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it might just become one of your new favorite dishes to make again and again.

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