Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl

This Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal, packed with vibrant veggies, juicy lemony chicken, and creamy tzatziki sauce. With a delicious combination of couscous, chicken, and Mediterranean toppings, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, making it a great option for meal prepping or taking to work!

Quick Benefits

This Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl offers a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The chicken provides lean protein, while the couscous and vegetables offer fiber and essential nutrients. The tzatziki sauce brings a refreshing touch of creaminess with the added benefit of probiotics from the yogurt. It’s also a versatile dish that can be stored and reheated, making it a perfect make-ahead option for a busy week.

Essential Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ lemon, juiced

For the Couscous:

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup dry couscous

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• ½ cucumber, peeled and shredded
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• ½ cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese

Preparation Steps

1. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the rosemary, black pepper, salt, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cardamom, and coriander. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken covered for 4-5 minutes, then flip it over and cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked (165°F/74°C). Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Prepare the Couscous: While the chicken cooks, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add salt to taste, then add the couscous. Stir once, cover, and remove the saucepan from heat. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine shredded cucumber, sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mint, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Prepare the Toppings: Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then set aside. Dice the red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. Chop the parsley, and crumble the feta cheese.
6. Assemble the Bowl: Divide the couscous between four bowls. Top each with slices of chicken, tzatziki sauce, broccoli, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, parsley, and feta cheese. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers for later.

Health Benefits

• Protein: The chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber: The vegetables, couscous, and tzatziki sauce provide fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Vitamins: The broccoli, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley are all rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
• Probiotics: Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce contains probiotics, which help promote gut health and balance digestion.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Pita: For a more filling meal, pair the bowl with warm pita bread on the side.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to boost the veggie content, add roasted red peppers, spinach, or olives to your bowl.
• Side Salad: A simple Greek salad with olives, tomatoes, and feta would complement this dish beautifully.

Creative Variations

• Swap the Chicken: You can use grilled shrimp, lamb, or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
• Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the bowl a little extra heat.
• Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based option. Use dairy-free yogurt and omit the feta for a completely vegan dish.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: The Greek Chicken Couscous Bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While the couscous and chicken freeze well, the tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables are best stored separately in the fridge. When reheating, it’s best to do so in a skillet or microwave, adding the fresh toppings afterward.

Pro Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Prep Ahead: You can cook the chicken and couscous ahead of time, making it even quicker to assemble the bowls for a meal prep lunch or dinner.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to swap out the toppings based on what’s in season or what you have available. Roasted vegetables, different olives, or a variety of fresh herbs can all be great additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Cook the chicken, couscous, and veggies, and store them in separate containers. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat, adding the tzatziki sauce and fresh toppings just before serving.

Is couscous gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa or rice instead.

Can I substitute the tzatziki sauce?
If you prefer a different sauce, you can use hummus or a yogurt-based ranch dressing as an alternative.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! To make the bowl vegan, simply replace the chicken with grilled veggies or chickpeas, use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki, and omit the feta.

This Greek Chicken Couscous Bowl is an easy-to-make, healthy, and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed immediately or as a meal prep option for later. With fresh ingredients and a zesty flair, it’s perfect for any day of the week!

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