Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table? These Greek Chicken Bowls have become my go-to recipe for both meal prep and family dinners. They’re packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, making them the perfect balance of healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
After years of experimenting with Mediterranean cuisine, I’ve perfected this bowl to capture authentic Greek flavors while keeping it simple enough for busy weeknights. The combination of marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Healthy Fats | 18g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl for marinating
- Grill pan or skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Food processor (for tzatziki)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage containers (if meal prepping)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl Base
- 3 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
For the Homemade Tzatziki
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes
- Add chicken to marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours)
Preparing Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel
- Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt
- Refrigerate until ready to use
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Let rest for 5 minutes before assembling bowls
Assembly
- Divide cooked quinoa or rice among 4 bowls
- Top with mixed greens
- Arrange chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce
- Garnish with extra dill if desired
Make-Ahead Tips
For easy meal prep:
- Marinate chicken up to 4 hours in advance
- Prepare tzatziki sauce up to 3 days ahead
- Cook quinoa or rice up to 5 days ahead
- Chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance
- Store assembled bowls (without tzatziki) for up to 4 days
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm pita bread
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Include extra tzatziki on the side
- Top with fresh herbs like mint or parsley
- Drizzle with high-quality olive oil
Storage Instructions
- Store components separately in airtight containers
- Keep tzatziki sauce in a separate container
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Do not freeze assembled bowls
- Reheat chicken separately if desired
Customization Options
Make it your own by:
- Substituting chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version
- Using cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- Incorporating different fresh herbs
- Adjusting spice levels to taste
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply replace the chicken with chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh. The marinade works great with these alternatives.
Q: How long does tzatziki sauce last?
A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade tzatziki sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki to save time?
A: Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki offers the best flavor, a quality store-bought version works well for quick assembly.
Q: Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
A: Yes! You can prepare all components in advance and assemble bowls for up to 4 days of meals. Just keep the tzatziki separate until serving.
Q: How can I make this low-carb?
A: Replace the quinoa/rice with cauliflower rice or extra greens for a low-carb version that’s equally satisfying.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip marinating the chicken – this ensures maximum flavor and tenderness
- Really squeeze out the cucumber for tzatziki to prevent watery sauce
- Bring ingredients to room temperature before serving for best flavor
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan
- Season components individually for layers of flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not patting chicken dry before cooking
- Overcooking the chicken
- Using cold ingredients straight from refrigerator
- Skipping the resting time after cooking
- Adding too much liquid to tzatziki
Remember, the key to perfect Greek Chicken Bowls lies in the quality of ingredients and proper preparation techniques. With these tips and instructions, you’ll be creating restaurant-worthy bowls in your own kitchen!
