Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls offer the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce in every bite. The herbed, lemony chicken is tender and full of flavor, while the colorful toppings add crunch, creaminess, and tang. It’s a complete meal in one bowl—simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and packed with nutrition and taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic (minced)
dried oregano
salt
black pepper
paprika (optional)
For the bowl:
cooked white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
cherry tomatoes (halved)
cucumber (diced)
red onion (thinly sliced)
Kalamata olives
feta cheese (crumbled)
romaine lettuce or mixed greens
tzatziki sauce
fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). - Cook the chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice. - Prepare the bowls:
In each bowl, add a base of rice or grains. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and greens. - Add tzatziki:
Spoon tzatziki sauce over the bowl and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. - Serve:
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30–45 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or a full salad base instead of grains.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper or a drizzle of harissa sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas, falafel, or grilled halloumi.
- Wrap It Up: Turn this into a Greek wrap using pita or flatbread.
- Extra Creamy: Add hummus or a drizzle of tahini for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or skillet until warm. Assemble fresh bowls before serving for best texture and flavor. Tzatziki and fresh vegetables are best added cold just before serving.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes, grilling adds great flavor. Just cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the feta and use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative or hummus.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them separately for easy assembly throughout the week.
What is tzatziki made of?
Tzatziki is a creamy Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill or mint.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought works well if you don’t have time to make your own.
Are Greek chicken bowls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your grains and tzatziki are certified gluten-free.
What kind of rice is best?
White rice, brown rice, or a grain like quinoa all pair well with the Mediterranean flavors.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or shredded carrots.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together with minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re prepping ahead or serving it fresh, this Mediterranean-inspired bowl is a delicious way to enjoy a balanced and nourishing meal any day of the week.
PrintGreek Chicken Bowls
Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and nutritious meal featuring lemon-herb marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, rice or grains, and creamy tzatziki. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilled, Assembled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble the bowls: Add a base of rice or grains to each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and greens.
- Add sauce: Spoon tzatziki over the bowl and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for meal prep.
Notes
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before eating.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Swap chicken for chickpeas, grilled veggies, or falafel for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
