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Part Two Recipe

Part Two Recipe

5 from 11 reviews

Mediterranean Bliss is a vibrant and healthy recipe featuring tender Greek chicken marinated in herbs and lemon, served alongside fluffy lemon-zested couscous and refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a light dinner that captures the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Greek Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Salt, to taste

For the Couscous:

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Mix thoroughly and chill in the refrigerator to let flavors meld while preparing other components.
  3. Cook the Couscous: Bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in olive oil, lemon zest, couscous, salt, and pepper. Cover the pan, remove it from heat, and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving to separate the grains.
  4. Grill or Bake the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or an oven to 400°F (200°C). For grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For baking, place chicken in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Plating: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and plate them alongside a generous serving of the fluffy couscous. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce or serve it on the side as a refreshing dip. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint if desired for added freshness and color.
  6. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors that come together in this easy and wholesome dish.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Ensure you squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber in the tzatziki to prevent a watery sauce.
  • Couscous can be substituted with quinoa or rice for variation but adjust cooking instructions accordingly.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint for garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
  • Store leftovers separately to maintain texture—couscous and chicken refrigerated for up to 3 days; tzatziki up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, Greek chicken, Tzatziki sauce, couscous recipe, healthy dinner, lemon herb chicken, easy grilling recipe