The sun-drenched flavors of Greece come alive in these delightful Greek Chicken Bowls! This vibrant dish is not just a feast for the senses; it’s also a balanced meal bursting with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option for the busy week ahead, or a crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering, these bowls have got you covered. Picture succulent grilled chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables and topped with luscious tzatziki. It’s a dish that adds sunshine to any table!
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
The magic of Greek Chicken Bowls lies in their versatility and wholesome goodness. Not only are they quick to prepare—taking less than an hour from marinating to serving—but they also boast a treasure trove of flavors and textures. You get juicy, marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and the creamy delight of feta and tzatziki, all harmonizing beautifully.
This dish is a stellar option for busy families, as it’s both healthy and kid-approved. Make it for a bustling weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch spread, or even meal prep for the week—whatever suits your needs. It’s economical, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.
"I made these Greek Chicken Bowls for dinner last week, and they were a hit with my entire family! Fresh, delicious, and so easy to put together. This will definitely be a staple in our meal rotation!" – Happy Home Cook
How to make Greek Chicken Bowls
Step-by-step overview
Cooking these Greek Chicken Bowls involves marinating the chicken, preparing the tzatziki sauce, cooking the grains, and assembling all the vibrant ingredients into a wholesome bowl. It’s straightforward and allows room for creativity!
- Marinate the chicken.
- Cook the chicken.
- Whip up the tzatziki.
- Assemble the bowls.
- Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients
What you’ll need
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create your Greek Chicken Bowls:
- For the chicken:
- Chicken breast
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- For the bowls:
- Cucumbers (chopped)
- Tomatoes (chopped)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Kalamata olives
- Brown rice or quinoa (as per preference)
- For tzatziki:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Feel free to swap quinoa for brown rice or use any vegetables you have on hand for a personal touch!
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—if time allows, the longer, the better!
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Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked—approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
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Prepare the tzatziki: In another bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly and let it chill in the refrigerator to meld the flavors.
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Assemble bowls: Cook your choice of brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Start layering: place the rice or quinoa first, then add sliced chicken, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, and Kalamata olives.
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Serve: Drizzle generous amounts of tzatziki over the top and relish each bite!
How to serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Best ways to enjoy it
These Greek Chicken Bowls shine on their own, but you can take them to the next level with vibrant plating and a few delicious pairings. Consider serving a side of warm pita bread for dipping into the tzatziki, or a light Greek salad alongside. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint on top not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of freshness.
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
Storing your Greek Chicken Bowls properly ensures they remain delicious for meal prep throughout the week. Keep the components separate to maintain freshness. Store the chicken, grains, veggies, and tzatziki in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for meal planning. When ready, simply thaw and cook as directed. A word of caution: fresh tzatziki doesn’t freeze well, so be sure to consume it within a few days!
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
- Chicken Variations: You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier cut, or even use shrimp or vegetables for a vegetarian twist.
- Marinate Longer: If time permits, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Zest for Freshness: A little lemon zest in the tzatziki or layering can brighten up the dish even more!
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with flavors! Swap out the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian take, or add roasted bell peppers and avocado for added creaminess. Experiment with different grains, such as farro or couscous, or even add a touch of spice with cumin or paprika in your marinade for a flavorful kick.
FAQ
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare the Greek Chicken Bowls?
From marinating to serving, you can have these Greek Chicken Bowls ready in under an hour.
Can I make variations for dietary needs?
Absolutely! You can use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken for a vegan option, and replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt for dairy-free tzatziki.
Can I store these bowls? How long will they last?
Yes! Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat to ensure freshness.
Now that you have this delightful recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to bring the flavors of Greece into your kitchen! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Greek Chicken Bowls!
Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces Chicken breast Boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Add more for an extra garlic flavor
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
For the bowls
- 1 cup Cucumbers (chopped)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 small Red onion (sliced)
- 1 cup Feta cheese (crumbled) For topping the bowls
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives Pitted
- 1 cup Brown rice or quinoa Use as per preference
For tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup Cucumber (grated) Drain excess moisture
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Marination
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- Grill or pan-cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Preparing Tzatziki
- In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator.
Assembling Bowls
- Cook brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Layer rice or quinoa first, then add sliced chicken, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, and Kalamata olives.
Serving
- Drizzle with tzatziki and enjoy!
