Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor, full of color, and packed with nourishing ingredients, look no further than this Greek Chicken Bowl. Juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, creamy feta, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki all come together over a bed of wholesome grains to create a bowl that’s as satisfying as it is good for you. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this Greek Chicken Bowl is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Greek Chicken Bowl is how each simple ingredient brings something special to the table—whether it’s a punch of flavor, a pop of color, or a satisfying crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious bowl come alive:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for soaking up all those Mediterranean spices and stays juicy when grilled.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and gives the chicken a fresh, zesty kick.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that gives the dish its signature Mediterranean taste.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness to the marinade.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Just the right amount of sharpness to balance the other spices.
- Brown rice or quinoa: Acts as the hearty base of your bowl—choose your favorite or swap for cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for balancing bold flavors.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle bite and beautiful color.
- Kalamata olives: Briny, bold, and so very Greek—these bring the whole bowl to life.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, salty crumbles that make every bite irresistible.
- Tzatziki sauce: A cool, tangy drizzle that ties together all the Mediterranean flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A handful of chopped parsley adds bright color and a final layer of freshness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts and toss until they’re well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time. The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more intense and delicious the flavors will be.
Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Once your chicken has soaked up all that Mediterranean goodness, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps it tender and juicy in your Greek Chicken Bowl.
Step 3: Prepare the Grain Base
While the chicken is cooking, get your base ready. Spoon cooked brown rice or quinoa into four bowls, making sure each serving is fluffy and warm. If you’re going low-carb, cauliflower rice works beautifully here too. The grains provide a satisfying backdrop for all the bright, bold toppings to come.
Step 4: Chop and Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Halve the kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese. These colorful ingredients will bring crunch, freshness, and pops of flavor to your Greek Chicken Bowl. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly a breeze!
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowl
Now comes the fun part: building your bowl! Layer the sliced chicken over the grains, then arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on top. Drizzle generously with creamy tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with plenty of chopped fresh parsley. Each bowl will look like a Mediterranean feast—vibrant, inviting, and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
A finishing touch can make all the difference. Sprinkle a little extra feta or a dusting of fresh oregano over your Greek Chicken Bowl for an added burst of flavor. A lemon wedge on the side is perfect for a squeeze of brightness just before digging in.
Side Dishes
This bowl is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a platter of dolmas or hummus with veggies to round out your Mediterranean spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Greek Chicken Bowl in individual bowls for a casual meal, or arrange all the components on a big platter for a stunning build-your-own-bowl experience. It’s also fantastic as a wrap—just pile everything into a warm pita and enjoy a portable Greek feast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken, grains, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the veggies from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble your Greek Chicken Bowl and enjoy!
Freezing
The marinated, cooked chicken freezes well—just slice it and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. The grains can also be frozen, but it’s best to add the fresh veggies and toppings after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add the fresh vegetables, feta, olives, and tzatziki after reheating to keep everything crisp and vibrant. Your Greek Chicken Bowl will taste just as amazing as when it was freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take a little longer to cook through than breasts.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based feta alternative, or simply skip it—the Greek Chicken Bowl will still be delicious with all the other toppings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Store the chicken and toppings separately, and assemble your bowls just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant throughout the week.
How can I make this bowl vegetarian?
You can swap the grilled chicken for roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu to create a vegetarian Greek Chicken Bowl that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce at home?
Definitely! Homemade tzatziki is simple—just combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. It adds a cool, tangy finish to every bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and nourishing ingredients, you simply must try making this Greek Chicken Bowl at home. It’s a meal that feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and healthy Greek Chicken Bowl featuring marinated grilled chicken breast served over a bed of brown rice or quinoa, complemented with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Base and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Drizzle each bowl with a quarter cup of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a refreshing finish.
- Serve: Serve the bowls warm or chilled according to your preference. Enjoy immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Notes
- Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb, Paleo-friendly option.
- For meal prepping, store cooked chicken and salad toppings separately to maintain freshness and assemble just before eating.
- If you prefer, use quinoa instead of brown rice for a nuttier flavor and higher protein content.
- Adjust seasonings according to taste, adding more oregano or lemon juice if desired for brightness.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time up to 4 hours)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
