June 24, 2026 · 10 min

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemony Couscous and Chili-Roasted Carrots

Dinner10 min2848 cal / serving

Discover the magic of yogurt-marinated chicken-a simple technique that tenderizes the meat and creates a beautifully golden, flavorful crust. This dish pairs succulent chicken with bright lemony couscous and sweet carrots roasted with a hint of chili heat. A creamy garlic sauce ties everything together for a satisfying meal that’s both easy and impressive.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses everyday ingredients to deliver big flavor. The yogurt marinade works quickly, so you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in just over half an hour.


Recipe details

Dinner10 min2848 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories2848 kcalProtein52.6 gFat278.8 gCarbs38.3 gSugar11.3 gFiber6.3 gSodium1978 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Israeli Couscous0.5 cup Israeli CouscousView ingredient guide
Carrot12 ounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Sour Cream2 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Yogurt2 tablespoon YogurtView ingredient guide
Garlic1 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Chili Flakes1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guide
Chicken Cutlets10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide
Olive Oil5 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Salt4 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, half the Tunisian spice blend and a pinch of salt. Add chicken cutlets and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate.
  2. Peel and slice carrots into ½-inch thick rounds. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Spread on one side of the baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring ¾ cup water and chicken stock concentrate to a boil. Stir in Israeli couscous, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water.
  4. While couscous cooks, zest and juice half the lemon. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, half the lemon juice and a pinch of salt to make the garlic sauce. Set aside.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and let rest.
  6. Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in lemon zest, remaining lemon juice, butter and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Slice chicken. Serve over lemony couscous with chili-roasted carrots. Drizzle garlic sauce over chicken and garnish with additional cilantro.

Recipe Tips

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken up to 30 minutes before cooking.

If you don’t have Tunisian spice blend, substitute with a mix of cumin, coriander and paprika.

To make the garlic sauce, mince the garlic clove and stir into the sour cream along with lemon juice.

FAQ

Can I use regular couscous instead of Israeli couscous?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Israeli couscous is larger and chewier; regular couscous cooks in about 5 minutes. Adjust liquid accordingly.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely. This yogurt marinade works well with pork chops, shrimp or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

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