Mediterranean Chicken Bowl With Couscous
This Mediterranean Chicken Couscous Bowl is loaded with marinated chicken, fluffy couscous, fresh vegetables, feta, and creamy tzatziki. A balanced, flavorful bowl that is easy to customize and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 580kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice preferably fresh juice
- 2 whole garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes optional
Bowls
- 3 cups cooked couscous
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced, or use persian cucumbers for ease
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- ½ cup feta crumbled
- ½ cup fresh parsley, mint, or both chopped
- lemon wedges for serving
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 large cucumber thinly shredded
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 whole garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, or mint or dill
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Chicken
- Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 whole garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes
- Add the chicken and marinate for 15-30 minutes or up to 24 hours.1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tzatziki Sauce
- While waiting for the chicken to marinate, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Mix all of the tzatziki ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.1 large cucumber, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 whole garlic clove, 2 tablespoons lemon zest, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, salt and pepper
Couscous
- Cook the couscous according the instructions on the package and set aside.3 cups cooked couscous
Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden and is 165℉ with a thermometer.
- Take the chicken out of the pan and rest the chicken on a plate for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.
Bowls
- Divide the couscous among 4 bowls.
- Arrange the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, chickpeas, olives, and feta on top.1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber, ½ small red onion, 1 cup canned chickpeas, ½ cup kalamata olives, ½ cup feta
- Add the sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with tzatziki. Sprinkle with the parsley and mint. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.½ cup fresh parsley, mint, or both, lemon wedges
Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well here because they cook quickly and stay tender when pounded to even thickness. Boneless skinless chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer slightly juicier meat, but they may need a different timing to cook through.
The chicken benefits from even a short marinade, but it can be marinated for up to 24 hours if you are planning ahead. Longer marinating time deepens the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Couscous is light and fluffy and makes a great base for this bowl, but it can easily be swapped for quinoa, gluten-free couscous, basmati rice, farro, or bulgur, depending on your dietary needs.
For a dairy-free version, skip the feta and use a dairy-free yogurt when preparing or serving the tzatziki.
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. All components can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately, then assembled just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the tzatziki separate so the vegetables and couscous do not become watery.
If you don't want to make Tzatziki you can purchase store-bought. It tastes great in this dish. I also have a standalone recipe for Tzatziki if you would prefer. I have also swapped in my Lemon Tahini sauce for this recipe depending on the chicken marinade I am using.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1105mg | Potassium: 1134mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 896IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 3mg
