Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of fresh Mediterranean ingredients and bold flavors.
- Easy to customize with your favorite grains, veggies, or proteins.
- Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Naturally gluten-free (depending on the grain used).
- Balanced, colorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce
Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Prepare the bowl base by adding rice, couscous, or quinoa.
- Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add a spoonful of tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes (minimum)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Mix in hummus for extra creaminess.
- Add chickpeas for additional protein and fiber.
Storage/Reheating
Store components separately for best freshness.
Cooked chicken and grains will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken and grains in a skillet or microwave.
Add fresh veggies and tzatziki right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely—thighs stay extra juicy and are great for grilling.
What grain works best?
Rice, quinoa, couscous, or farro all work well depending on preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit feta and use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
Can I meal prep Greek chicken bowls?
Yes, store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Is tzatziki necessary?
While traditional, you can use plain Greek yogurt, hummus, or lemon tahini instead.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried oregano is traditional and works perfectly.
How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or a spicy yogurt sauce.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds delicious smoky flavor.
Do these bowls taste good cold?
Yes, they make an excellent chilled lunch option.
Conclusion
Greek chicken bowls offer a delicious mix of Mediterranean ingredients, juicy chicken, and fresh vegetables for a vibrant and satisfying meal. With endless customization options and simple preparation, they’re the perfect recipe for healthy weeknight dinners or meal-prep lunches.
PrintGreek Chicken Bowls
Greek chicken bowls are fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. They feature juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, grains, and creamy tzatziki, making them ideal for healthy dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/2 cup tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Divide cooked grains between 4 bowls as the base.
- Top each with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add a spoonful of tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble fresh.
- Swap grains for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add chickpeas or roasted veggies for variety.
- Try hummus or lemon tahini sauce as an alternative to tzatziki.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg