Greek Lemon Chicken with Grilled Zucchini

Lemon-oregano chicken, charred zucchini and juicy heirloom tomatoes celebrate Washington’s September harvest in a simple Greek-inspired dinner.

  • Total time: 40 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $13
  • Calories per serving: 650 cal
  • Grill
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
    1 pound $6.49
  • Organic zucchini squash
    1 pound $2.77
  • Organic heirloom tomatoes
    8 ounces $4.43
  • Couscous
    1/2 cup dry (about 3 ounces) $7.81
  • Lemon
    1 medium, yielding 3 tablespoons juice $0.89
  • Organic garlic
    2 cloves $6.99
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Dried oregano
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Fine sea salt
    2 1/4 teaspoons
  • Ground black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat a clean grill to medium-high, about 425°F, allowing approximately 15 minutes.

  2. Juice 1 medium lemon to yield 3 tablespoons juice; reserve 1 tablespoon for the couscous. Mince 2 garlic cloves. In a bowl, combine the following:

    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 2 minced garlic cloves
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Add 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, unfold them and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

  3. Trim 1 pound zucchini and slice lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick planks. Toss with 2 teaspoons olive oil and 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.

  4. Cut 8 ounces heirloom tomatoes into bite-size wedges. Toss gently with the following:

    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 3/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Set aside so the tomatoes release their juices.

  5. Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt to a boil in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Stir in 1/2 cup dry couscous, cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in the reserved 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Keep covered until serving.

  6. Lift the chicken from its marinade and place on the grill; discard the used marinade. Grill for 10–14 minutes, turning once, until lightly charred and the thickest part reaches 175°F. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes.

  7. Grill the zucchini alongside the chicken, using a separate section of the grill, for 3–4 minutes per side until marked and tender but not mushy. Transfer to a serving plate.

  8. Divide the couscous between two plates. Add the grilled chicken and zucchini, then spoon the tomato salad and its juices alongside.

Drink pairing: A chilled Assyrtiko complements the lemony chicken, sweet tomatoes and smoky zucchini.