Greek Chicken Bowl is a delightful dish that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. This vibrant meal is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that come together to create a satisfying experience. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Greece, this bowl is a modern twist on classic Greek ingredients, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent meal.
People love the Greek Chicken Bowl for its versatility and convenience. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to please. The tender, marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty tzatziki, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or sides. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that celebrates the essence of Greek cuisine!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bowl Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. I like to use my hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, aim for 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce
- While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
- Mix everything together until smooth. I usually use a whisk for this, but a fork works just as well.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend starting with a pinch of each and adjusting according to your preference.
- Cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cooking the Chicken
- Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowl
- Start by preparing your base. In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, add a generous scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice. This will be the foundation of your Greek chicken bowl.
- Next, layer on the sliced grilled chicken. I like to arrange it neatly on top of the grains for a beautiful presentation.
- Now it’s time to add the fresh veggies! Scatter the halved
Conclusion:
In summary, this Greek Chicken Bowl is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal prep game while enjoying a burst of Mediterranean flavors. The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce creates a delightful harmony that is both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, and feel free to mix in your favorite grains like quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and make it your own! Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to the Greek Chicken Bowl. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! PrintGreek Chicken Bowl: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Your Next Meal
- Total Time: 155 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, all served over a base of quinoa or brown rice. It’s a vibrant dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
- Mix until smooth, using a whisk or fork.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to preference.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s well-oiled.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, add a generous scoop of cooked quinoa or brown rice as the base.
- Layer on the sliced grilled chicken.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese over the chicken.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas.
- The tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables or grains.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes