Greek Chicken Bowls are one of those delightful dishes that never fail to impress. On busy weeknights or during laid-back weekends, this vibrant meal perfectly embodies the bright flavors of the Mediterranean. Succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki come together in an easy-to-make bowl that not only fills your stomach but also satisfies your taste buds. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for meal prep, making it a go-to for lunches throughout the week.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up these Greek Chicken Bowls in your kitchen. First and foremost, this recipe is quick, taking less than an hour from start to finish, making it ideal for rushed weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, requiring only a handful of ingredients that pack a punch in the flavor department. Kids love the customizable nature of the bowls, allowing them to build their own meals with their favorite toppings. You can even make this recipe ahead of time for a wholesome meal option perfect for any family gathering or casual lunch with friends.
“These Greek Chicken Bowls became an instant family favorite! The tzatziki sauce is so fresh and delicious, and the chicken is incredibly flavorful.” — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-step overview
Making Greek Chicken Bowls is easier than it may seem. In this recipe, you’ll marinate and cook the chicken, prepare a refreshing tzatziki sauce, and assemble everything into wonderfully customizable bowls. Each step builds layer upon layer of flavor, and the result is a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
What you’ll need
Here’s your ingredient lineup for these amazing bowls:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, a yogurt-based dip can replace tzatziki if you prefer something creamier or different herbs can easily work in place of oregano.
Directions to follow
- Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or oven. Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side, until the inside is no longer pink.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining diced cucumber, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and fresh dill in a different bowl.
- Chop the fresh vegetables: tomatoes, red onion, and parsley for a vibrant mix.
- Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Assemble your bowls! Start with a base of chickpeas, add sliced chicken, and top with fresh veggies. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately for an amazing meal, or pack them away in meal prep containers for delicious lunches or dinners later in the week.
Best ways to enjoy it
The great thing about Greek Chicken Bowls is their versatility. You can stack them high with your favorite veggies or serve them alongside warm pita bread for an extra touch. Consider a refreshing side salad or grilled vegetables to enhance the experience. And if you’re entertaining, why not set up a build-your-own bowl station? This allows guests to customize their meals and keeps everyone engaged.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your delicious bowls fresh, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or enjoy them cold as a refreshing salad. If you’d like to make a larger batch, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just remember to keep it in a sealed freezer bag and use it within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some extra tips to elevate your Greek Chicken Bowls even further:
- Let the chicken marinate longer if possible; overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking. It prevents juices from leaking out and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
- If you’re looking for a spice kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinating mix.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with flavors in these bowls! Try using different proteins such as grilled shrimp or lamb to shake things up. For a vegetarian option, swap chicken with marinated tofu or roasted vegetables. You can also add toppings like olives, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet touch.
Common questions
How long does it take to prep this recipe?
From start to finish, you can easily whip up these bowls in around 40-50 minutes, including marinating time.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want, you can even freeze it for longer storage.
What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade alternative using yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice. If that’s not an option, any creamy dressing can substitute in a pinch.
With such a delightful mixture of flavors, Greek Chicken Bowls are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction. Enjoy!
PrintGreek Chicken Bowls
A vibrant meal combining succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or oven and cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining diced cucumber, yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and fresh dill.
- Chop fresh vegetables: tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- Once the chicken is cooked, rest it for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Assemble your bowls with a base of chickpeas, sliced chicken, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or pack in meal prep containers.
Notes
Let the chicken marinate overnight for maximum flavor. The dish can also be made vegetarian by swapping chicken with marinated tofu or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
