Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Greek cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthful qualities. This recipe for Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls combines marinated chicken, fluffy rice or quinoa, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce into a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, these bowls bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping in advance.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome grains.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Preparing the Greek Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add Greek yogurt if desired for an extra tenderizing effect.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill Option: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Stovetop Option: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake chicken on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.
- Rest and Slice:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce
- Prepare the Cucumber:
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill (or mint), salt, and black pepper.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve.
Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowls
- Prepare the Base:
- Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among serving bowls.
- Layer the Vegetables:
- Add diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives to each bowl.
- Add the Chicken:
- Top each bowl with the sliced or cubed Greek chicken.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve with Tzatziki Sauce:
- Drizzle or dollop the tzatziki sauce generously over each bowl.
Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer for Better Flavor:
- If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients:
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best taste and presentation.
- Make it Your Own:
- Add your favorite toppings like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pickled onions.
- Meal Prep Friendly:
- Store the components separately to maintain freshness, and assemble bowls just before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option:
- Replace the chicken with chickpeas, falafel, or grilled halloumi cheese.
- Low-Carb Version:
- Use cauliflower rice as the base instead of traditional rice or quinoa.
- Spicy Twist:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat.
- Dressing Alternative:
- Swap tzatziki for a tahini-based dressing or a lemon vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish:
- These bowls are a complete meal on their own, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Side Dish:
- Pair with warm pita bread, hummus, or a Greek-inspired soup like avgolemono.
- Family-Style:
- Set up a build-your-own bowl station for a fun and interactive meal.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
This Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowl recipe delivers the bright, fresh, and satisfying flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. With juicy, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and a medley of colorful vegetables, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and again. Whether for meal prep, a family meal, or a quick dinner, these Greek-inspired bowls are guaranteed to please!
Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Greek cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthful qualities. This recipe for Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls combines marinated chicken, fluffy rice or quinoa, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce into a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner, these bowls bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked quinoa (or your choice of base) evenly among four bowls.
- Top with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle tzatziki sauce generously over the bowls.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh dill or parsley over the bowls for added flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!