If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold Mediterranean flavors, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of textures, look no further than Greek Chicken Bowls. These bowls are packed with marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice or quinoa, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, they’re a healthy and satisfying option that will keep you coming back for more.
Why Greek Chicken Bowls Are the Perfect Meal
Greek Chicken Bowls are a versatile and nutrient-packed meal that can be tailored to your preferences. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: The marinated chicken is infused with oregano, garlic, lemon, and a touch of honey for a savory and slightly tangy taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps for marinating, cooking, and assembling, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Great for Meal Prep: Assemble the components ahead of time for a quick grab-and-go lunch or dinner during the week.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients or add your favorites, like olives, bell peppers, or even pita bread on the side.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Bowls
For the Chicken:
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for uniform cooking.
- Place the chicken in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, leave it for a few hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh dill.
- Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook the marinated chicken in the air fryer for 7 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Skillet Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter.
- Cook the chicken for 7–8 minutes on one side, then flip and cook until golden and fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 4: Prep the Bowl Ingredients
- Cook the rice or quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, shred the romaine lettuce, and slice the red onion.
Step 5: Assemble the Greek Chicken Bowls
- In a bowl, layer the base with cooked rice or quinoa.
- Add a generous portion of shredded lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion.
- Place the sliced chicken on top and add a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the bowl and garnish with additional dill or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Bowls
- Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, ripe vegetables, and high-quality olive oil will elevate the flavors of your bowl.
- Customize It: Add pitted olives, roasted bell peppers, or even a slice of pita bread for dipping into the tzatziki.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store the chicken, rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Assemble bowls as needed.
Why These Bowls Work for Meal Prep
Greek Chicken Bowls are perfect for meal prep because they’re:
- Easy to Assemble: Keep the ingredients in separate containers and mix them when ready to eat.
- Versatile: Swap in different grains or proteins, like shrimp or tofu, for variety throughout the week.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies, these bowls are a balanced meal that will keep you energized.
Serving Suggestions
Greek Chicken Bowls are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with:
- Pita Bread or Pita Chips: For scooping up tzatziki and extra toppings.
- Hummus: Add a dollop to your bowl for an extra creamy element.
- Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Health Benefits of Greek Chicken Bowls
- Protein-Packed: The chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Rich in Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and red onion add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, feta cheese, and Greek yogurt deliver heart-healthy fats and creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa instead of rice for a naturally gluten-free version.
FAQs About Greek Chicken Bowls
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki works if you’re short on time, but homemade tzatziki offers fresher flavors.
Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean spices.
What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or alternative protein option.
Fresh & Flavorful Greek Chicken Bowls!
Advertisement
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated cucumber (squeeze excess water)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, then marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours.
2️⃣ Make the Tzatziki:
- Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Air Fryer: Preheat to 380°F. Cook chicken for 7 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for 3–4 minutes more until internal temp is 165°F.
Skillet: Heat oil or butter over medium heat. Cook chicken 7–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4️⃣ Prep Bowl Ingredients:
- Cook rice/quinoa, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred lettuce, and slice red onion.
5️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:
- Layer rice or quinoa at the base. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Top with sliced chicken, a dollop of tzatziki, and crumbled feta.
Notes
- Make It Your Own: Add olives, roasted peppers, or a side of pita bread.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: Store chicken, veggies, rice, and tzatziki separately, then assemble when needed.
Final Thoughts on Greek Chicken Bowls
These Greek Chicken Bowls are the ultimate combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. The tangy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and hearty rice come together to create a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or enjoying a fresh bowl for dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
So grab your ingredients and give this Mediterranean-inspired dish a try—you’ll love every bite!