Name: Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki, Couscous & Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Grilled Chicken:; 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt & black pepper, to taste; For the Couscous:; 1 cup couscous; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped and sautéed; 1 ¼ cups chicken broth; Salt, to taste; For the Tzatziki:; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ cucumber, grated and drained; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil; Juice of ½ lemon; Salt & pepper, to taste; For the Cucumber Tomato Salad:; 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice; Salt & pepper, to taste

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This Mediterranean-inspired bowl is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful meal featuring juicy grilled chicken, fluffy couscous with sautéed onions, creamy homemade tzatziki, and a vibrant cucumber-tomato salad. Balanced and nourishing, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and make-ahead lunches, delivering satisfying taste and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together bold herbs and spices, wholesome ingredients, and Mediterranean flavors into one vibrant bowl. The marinated grilled chicken is juicy and aromatic, while the couscous is light and infused with golden onions. Tzatziki adds creaminess and coolness, and the cucumber-tomato salad provides refreshing crunch. The components are easy to prepare ahead, making it ideal for meal prep or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Grilled Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Couscous:

1 cup couscous
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped and sautéed
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
Salt, to taste

For the Tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cucumber Tomato Salad:

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

Marinate and grill the chicken:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor). Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Rest before slicing.
Cook the couscous:
In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil until golden. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the sautéed onion and couscous, then cover and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Prepare the tzatziki:
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve.
Make the cucumber tomato salad:
In a bowl, toss together cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, parsley, olive oil, and red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the bowl:
In each serving bowl, place a generous scoop of couscous. Add grilled chicken slices, a spoonful of tzatziki, and a portion of cucumber tomato salad. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

Swap Proteins: Use grilled shrimp, lamb, or falafel for a variation in protein.
Grain Alternatives: Substitute couscous with quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice.
Dairy-Free Tzatziki: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the sauce vegan-friendly.
Add Hummus or Olives: Include a scoop of hummus or a handful of olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicier chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tzatziki may need a quick stir before serving if any liquid separates.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken and couscous gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
The salad and tzatziki are best served cold or at room temperature.

Freezing:

Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Couscous freezes well but tzatziki and salad should be made fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes. Chicken breasts work well but may require slightly less grilling time to avoid drying out.

Is couscous gluten-free?

No. Traditional couscous is made from semolina wheat. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa if needed.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes. Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for excellent results.

What kind of yogurt should I use for tzatziki?

Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but low-fat versions also work.

How do I keep the cucumber from making the tzatziki watery?

Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture with a clean cloth or paper towel before mixing.

Can I make this for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare all components ahead and store separately. Assemble bowls just before eating.

What herbs can I use instead of dill in tzatziki?

Mint or parsley are good substitutes, though the flavor will be different.

Do I have to soak couscous?

No soaking is needed. Couscous cooks quickly by absorbing hot liquid and steaming for a few minutes.

Is this dish served warm or cold?

The chicken and couscous are typically served warm, while the tzatziki and salad are cold or room temperature.

Can I add feta cheese?

Yes, crumbled feta adds a nice salty, creamy contrast and pairs well with all components.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki, Couscous, and Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant, balanced meal that brings the freshness and flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With tender grilled chicken, herbed couscous, cooling yogurt sauce, and a crisp salad, this dish offers nourishment, variety, and satisfaction in every bite. Ideal for quick dinners or thoughtful meal prep, it’s a delicious and wholesome way to eat well any day of the week.

Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki, Couscous & Cucumber Tomato Salad

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This Mediterranean-inspired bowl is packed with flavor and freshness. Juicy grilled chicken marinated in herbs and spices is served alongside fluffy couscous with caramelized onions, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad. A balanced, vibrant meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Marinate & Grill Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
Cook the Couscous: In a saucepan, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until golden. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
Make the Salad: In a mixing bowl, toss cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, olive oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bowl: In each serving bowl, place a scoop of couscous, a portion of grilled chicken, a spoonful of tzatziki, and a scoop of cucumber tomato salad. Garnish with parsley if desired.