Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

If you enjoy easy, flavor-packed meals, this one checks every box. Greek Chicken Bowls are not only simple to make but they also pack a punch of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a healthy meal prep option, this recipe delivers! Imagine tender, marinated chicken served over a bed of fresh veggies, all drizzled with a zesty homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s a Mediterranean delight that will transport your senses and satisfy your cravings.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

The Greek Chicken Bowl is a delightful blend of convenience and taste that many home cooks rave about. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish shines with its fresh ingredients and simple preparation while also being customizable to fit your dietary preferences.

The beauty of Greek Chicken Bowls is in their versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, they make for fantastic leftovers and meal prep, making this recipe a true all-around winner in any household.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Greek Chicken Bowls:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
  • (extra virgin for the best flavor)
• Juice of 1 lemon
  • (freshly squeezed for brightness)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
  • (choose brown rice for more fiber)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jar kalamata olives, pitted
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

To make these Greek Chicken Bowls, you will need:

• A mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
• A grill pan or skillet for cooking
• A saucepan or rice cooker for the quinoa/rice
• A whisk or fork for mixing the tzatziki sauce
• A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa or Rice

1. Cook your quinoa or rice according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes for quinoa. Fluff with a fork when done.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In another bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. In each bowl, start with a base of quinoa or rice.
2. Top with sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.
3. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

1. Don’t skip the marinade! Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor significantly.
2. If the chicken is overcooked, it can become dry. Using a meat thermometer helps prevent this.
3. Easier prep: Use pre-cooked quinoa or rice if short on time.
4. If you don’t like Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream, but the flavor will differ.
5. Try different proteins: Shrimp, tofu, or grilled vegetables can work well as substitutions.
6. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
7. For a gluten-free option, ensure your grains are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek Chicken Bowls are endlessly customizable! Here are a few easy variations and best ways to serve them:

• Add roasted veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added color and nutrients.
• Use different grains, like farro or couscous, for a unique twist.
• Create a grain-free bowl by serving it over fresh greens instead of grains.
• Top with avocado slices for a creamy texture.
• Flavor variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil in the tzatziki for a fresh twist.

Storage & Leftovers

How to Store:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Gently reheat in a microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions:

• You can freeze the cooked chicken and quinoa separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as needed.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional Notes:

This Greek Chicken Bowl is loaded with healthy ingredients. Here are some key takeaways:

• Protein-Packed: Chicken provides a lean source of protein.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers are packed with vitamins.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and feta cheese contribute heart-healthy fats.

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope this dish brings as much comfort to your table as it did to mine. Greek Chicken Bowls make for a delightful, healthy, and satisfying meal that is sure to become a staple in your home. With versatile ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!

Greek Chicken Bowls

These Greek Chicken Bowls are simple to make, flavor-packed, and perfect for busy weeknights, featuring marinated chicken served with fresh veggies and a zesty homemade tzatziki sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for extra juiciness
• 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin for the best flavor
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed for brightness
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

• 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice choose brown rice for more fiber
• 1 piece cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 piece red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jar kalamata olives, pitted
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

Cooking the Quinoa or Rice

1. Cook your quinoa or rice according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes for quinoa. Fluff with a fork when done.

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In another bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Assembling the Bowls

1. In each bowl, start with a base of quinoa or rice.
2. Top with sliced chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.
3. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

Don’t skip the marinade! It significantly enhances the flavor of the chicken. You can also use pre-cooked quinoa or rice for easier prep. For a gluten-free option, ensure your grains are certified gluten-free.