If you’re in the mood for something fresh, flavorful, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, this Easy Greek Chicken Bowl is the way to go. With tender chicken, creamy tzatziki, and all the fixings, this bowl is the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and nourishing meal without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, and you can have it on your table in 30 minutes or less. It’s a real time-saver without compromising on flavor!
- Loaded with Flavor: From the tangy tzatziki sauce to the savory grilled chicken and fresh veggies, every bite of this Greek chicken bowl is bursting with delicious Mediterranean flavors.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats, this bowl is both nutritious and filling. It’s a great option for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful Greek Chicken Bowl. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste!
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this dish. They’ll cook quickly and stay juicy, especially when marinated with olive oil and lemon.
- Greek Yogurt: This is the base for the creamy tzatziki sauce. It adds that signature tang and smooth texture.
- Cucumber: Fresh and crisp, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the bowl and is also a key ingredient in the tzatziki.
- Olive Oil: This will help marinate the chicken and also be used in the tzatziki. It brings a lovely richness and depth of flavor.
- Lemon: A little zest and juice goes a long way in both the chicken marinade and the tzatziki sauce. It brightens everything up with a citrusy freshness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor and depth to both the chicken and tzatziki sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh dill is classic for tzatziki, but feel free to add parsley or oregano to the chicken for added flavor.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, red onions, and Kalamata olives bring the Greek-inspired freshness to the bowl.
- Rice or Quinoa: You can serve this bowl over rice, quinoa, or even a bed of greens for a low-carb option. It’s up to you!
- Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of feta adds a salty, tangy finish to the bowl and complements the freshness of the veggies.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas to keep this dish exciting:
- Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try grilled lamb, beef, or even tofu for a plant-based version.
- Different Grains: Instead of rice or quinoa, try couscous or farro for a change of texture.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a heartier bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of spicy harissa or a few crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat.
How to Make Easy Greek Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing it.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Top with sliced chicken, fresh veggies, Kalamata olives, and a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to soak in. If you’re short on time, 15 minutes will still make a difference.
- Grilled vs. Pan-Seared: Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the chicken, but if you don’t have a grill, pan-searing it with a little olive oil works just as well.
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: For the creamiest tzatziki, use full-fat Greek yogurt. It’s rich and velvety, giving the sauce the perfect texture.
- Make it Ahead: Tzatziki can be made a day in advance for even more flavor. The chicken can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
How to Serve
This Greek Chicken Bowl is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of warm pita bread or a Greek salad. The bowl also makes a fantastic lunch the next day! If you want to make it a larger meal, serve it with roasted potatoes or a side of hummus for extra Mediterranean flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the veggies separate to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, it’s best to freeze it in its own container and separately from the rice or vegetables. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Fresh tzatziki doesn’t reheat well, so it’s best to serve it chilled directly from the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They’re even juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice if you prefer dark meat.
2. Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the tzatziki ahead of time will allow the flavors to develop even more. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Can I serve this recipe as a salad instead of in a bowl?
Definitely! You can make a Greek chicken salad by tossing the grilled chicken and veggies with some greens like spinach or arugula and then topping it with tzatziki and feta. It’s just as delicious and even lighter!
4. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can drizzle some spicy harissa sauce over the top of the chicken or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Greek Chicken Bowl is the perfect way to bring the bold, fresh flavors of Greece to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Give it a try – you’ll be hooked on that bright, tangy tzatziki and perfectly seasoned chicken in no time!
Easy Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful and simple Greek-inspired chicken bowl, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. This dish features grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tzatziki sauce, all served over a bed of rice.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice and chop the vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives).
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- In each bowl, layer a scoop of rice, followed by the diced cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Top the bowl with sliced chicken and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Greek chicken bowl!
Notes
- You can substitute the rice with quinoa for a gluten-free version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or oven.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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