Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

A Delicious and Healthy Mediterranean-Inspired Meal

Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty tzatziki sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Served over rice, quinoa, or leafy greens, Greek Chicken Bowls are both satisfying and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: A perfect combination of Mediterranean ingredients that bring a bright, refreshing taste.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains make this a well-balanced meal.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a great choice for meal prep.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences, such as using tofu for a vegetarian version.

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
• Hummus for extra creaminess
• Warm pita bread on the side

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice (or quinoa) into serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

5. Add Toppings and Serve

Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve with hummus and pita bread if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted chickpeas.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens instead of grains.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce and omit the feta cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or longer for enhanced flavor)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep tzatziki sauce refrigerated in a separate container.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave. Assemble the bowl with fresh toppings and tzatziki before serving.
• Freezing: The marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I meal prep Greek Chicken Bowls?

To meal prep, store cooked chicken, rice, and chopped vegetables in separate containers. Assemble the bowl just before eating and add tzatziki sauce last to keep it fresh.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Brown rice, basmati, jasmine, or even quinoa work well. If you prefer a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great alternative.

How do I make the tzatziki sauce extra creamy?

Use full-fat Greek yogurt and strain any excess water from the grated cucumber to keep the sauce thick and creamy.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki offers the freshest flavor, store-bought versions are a convenient alternative.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or dairy-free feta alternatives work well as substitutes.

How do I keep the chicken moist?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes and not overcooking it will help retain moisture. Letting it rest before slicing also keeps it juicy.

What other toppings can I add?

Try adding roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or pickled onions for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Ensure that all ingredients, including store-bought tzatziki or pita bread, are certified gluten-free.

What other protein options can I use?

Shrimp, salmon, or lean beef can be substituted for the chicken while keeping the Greek-inspired flavors.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Bowls are a delicious, fresh, and versatile meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Packed with protein, vegetables, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, Greek Chicken Bowls offer endless possibilities for customization. Try it today and bring a taste of Greece to your table!

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