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A Greek chicken couscous bowl topped with grilled chicken, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and bright pink pickled red onions.

Easy Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl

myrecipe
This vibrant Greek chicken couscous bowl is a satisfying and fresh meal. It features tender marinated chicken, fluffy pearl couscous, and a creamy homemade tzatziki, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • Jar or large bowl
  • Large bowl for marinade
  • Whisk
  • Skillet
  • Skewers
  • Baking sheet or Grill

Ingredients
  

For the Quick-Pickled Red Onions:

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt

For the Greek Chicken:

  • 3 large chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Toasted Pearl Couscous:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 cups pearl couscous
  • 2.5 cups vegetable stock or water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped

For the Tzatziki:

  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 small cucumber, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint or dill, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve With:

  • Tomato cucumber salad
  • Crispy chickpeas
  • Hummus
  • Pita or naan bread
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Arugula

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions, Marinade, and Tzatziki

  • Make the quick-pickled onions. In a jar or bowl, stir together the apple cider vinegar, warm water, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add the thinly sliced red onion, ensure it's fully submerged, and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
  • Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, and kosher salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat completely. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Make the tzatziki. Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. In a bowl, combine the strained cucumber with the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper, stir well, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Couscous and Chicken

  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Sauté the sliced shallots and garlic until golden and fragrant. Remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Add the pearl couscous to the same pan. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until golden with a nutty aroma.
  • Pour in the vegetable stock, add cumin and salt, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in the reserved crispy shallots and fresh mint.
  • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill at 400-450°F for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, broiling for the last 2-3 minutes for crispier edges. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.

Assemble Your Bowl

  • Create a bed of warm couscous in a bowl. Arrange the chicken on top, add a scoop of tomato cucumber salad, crispy chickpeas, pickled red onions, crumbled feta, a dollop of tzatziki, and a handful of fresh arugula to serve.

Notes

Toasting the Couscous: Don't skip toasting the pearl couscous in butter. This simple step adds a deep, nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate and firm.
Yogurt Marinade is Key: The lactic acid in the Greek yogurt marinade gently tenderizes the chicken, making it incredibly moist and juicy. Marinate for at least 2 hours for the best results.
Thick Tzatziki Tip: To make a thick, creamy tzatziki sauce, be sure to squeeze as much water as possible from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the yogurt.
Meal Prep Storage: For meal prep, store each component (chicken, couscous, tzatziki, fresh vegetables) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 8gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg
Keyword chicken skewers, grain bowl, meal prep
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