Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines grilled or seasoned chicken with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The base typically consists of a bed of rice (like brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice), topped with a variety of ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The dish is usually finished with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce, which adds a creamy, tangy element that ties all the flavors together.
I first made Greek Chicken Bowls when I was looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal with fresh Mediterranean flavors, and it quickly became a favorite! The juicy, seasoned chicken pairs wonderfully with the refreshing veggies and the richness of the tzatziki sauce. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can swap the chicken for lamb, falafel, or shrimp, and add other toppings like roasted red peppers, avocado, or fresh herbs. Greek Chicken Bowls are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a light yet filling lunch. The fresh, bold flavors make it a satisfying and nutritious option!
Perfect for:
- Quick dinners
- Meal prep
- Mediterranean cuisine lovers
- Healthy eating
- Families and gatherings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Greek Chicken Bowls will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Fresh and Flavorful: A vibrant combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressing packs each bite with Mediterranean goodness.
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken: The chicken is marinated with Greek spices, then grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky, savory flavor.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like feta cheese, olives, or extra veggies to make this dish your own.
- Light yet Filling: Packed with lean protein and healthy veggies, this bowl is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Creamy Tzatziki: The creamy, cool tzatziki balances the warm, spiced chicken, creating a perfect harmony of textures.
- Zesty Lemon Dressing: The lemon dressing adds a refreshing citrus zing that brightens up the whole dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: These bowls are perfect for making in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Option: Enjoy this dish without the pita for a completely gluten-free meal.
- Balanced Flavors: A perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish comes together in just under 30 minutes.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Lemon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, Greek yogurt makes the perfect base for the tzatziki.
- Kalamata Olives: Adds briny, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients.
- Lemon: The bright citrus flavor enhances the chicken and dressing.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serves as a hearty base, providing a healthy dose of carbs to balance the protein and veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
The Tzatziki Sauce:
- Make the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Dressing:
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Layer the Bowls: Start by placing a base of quinoa or rice in each bowl.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on top.
- Add Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the veggies.
- Drizzle with Dressing and Tzatziki: Drizzle the lemon dressing and tzatziki sauce over the chicken and veggies.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Greek Chicken Bowls:
- With Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita on the side for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- For Meal Prep: Prepare the components in advance and assemble the bowls for easy, grab-and-go lunches.
- As a Family Meal: Make a big batch and serve as a family-style meal, letting everyone assemble their own bowls.
- With Extra Toppings: Add more toppings like hummus, roasted chickpeas, or avocado for extra flavor.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for an extra dose of Mediterranean flavor.
- As a Salad: Skip the grains and serve as a salad with mixed greens.
- With a Side of Tabouli: Pair with a fresh tabouli salad for a light, refreshing side.
- For a Low-Carb Option: Skip the quinoa or rice and serve with a bed of lettuce instead.
- With Feta and Olives on Top: For extra Mediterranean flair, add more feta and Kalamata olives on top.
- For Special Occasions: Serve the bowls as a light and healthy dinner for a special gathering.
Additional Tips
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or mint can be used in the tzatziki for added freshness.
- Char the Chicken for Extra Flavor: For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken on high heat for a few extra minutes on each side.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon, or dill in the tzatziki and dressing to suit your taste.
- Double the Dressing: Make extra dressing for drizzling over leftovers or adding to salads.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Bowls: Add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled falafel or roasted chickpeas.
- Paleo Option: Skip the quinoa or rice and serve with a base of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Avocado Add-In: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Greek Chicken Salad: Skip the grains and serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
- Grilled Shrimp: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Lemon-Parmesan Chicken: Swap the Greek spices for lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and use dairy-free tzatziki.
Special Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the chicken to perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: To prepare the marinade, tzatziki, and dressing.
- Whisk: For emulsifying the lemon dressing.
- Knife: For slicing the chicken and veggies.
- Serving Bowls: To assemble the bowls for serving.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw the chicken thoroughly before marinating and grilling. - How long do the bowls last in the fridge?
The bowls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki and dressing in advance. Assemble the bowls when ready to serve. - What can I substitute for quinoa?
You can use rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice as alternatives to quinoa. - Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. - Can I skip the tzatziki?
Yes, you can skip the tzatziki and add extra dressing or hummus instead. - How can I make the bowls spicier?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or drizzle over the bowl. - Can I make these bowls vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with grilled tofu, falafel, or chickpeas. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bowls in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki works fine, though homemade will have a fresher taste.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines juicy grilled chicken with a vibrant mix of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The chicken is typically marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and herbs, creating a savory and aromatic base for the bowl. Served alongside ingredients like quinoa or rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and a generous scoop of creamy tzatziki sauce, these bowls are bursting with flavor and texture.
The Greek Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your preferences. You can add extra veggies, swap the grains for a lighter base like lettuce, or even sprinkle on some feta cheese for added creaminess. This bowl is a perfect balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making it a well-rounded, nourishing meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Greek Chicken Bowls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!