Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors, quick to prepare, and feels like a mini Mediterranean getaway, these Greek Chicken Bowls are for you. Perfectly marinated chicken, zippy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and fluffy rice all come together in a bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s my absolute go-to for healthy weeknight dinners or meal shares with friends, and I promise: you’ll want to put these Greek Chicken Bowls on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in Greek Chicken Bowls are downright simple, but each one is essential for building layer upon layer of herby, zesty, tangy flavor. Don’t skip or swap too much — you’ll love how these little touches make each bite pop with flavor and color.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect canvas for soaking up the marinade’s bold flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create an ultra-moist, perfectly grilled chicken.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: The bright citrus zing balances the savoriness and makes every bite sparkle.
- Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness that rounds out the marinade.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses warm, savory flavor without overpowering the other herbs.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Quintessential Mediterranean herbs that give the chicken its signature aroma and taste.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essentials for seasoning both the chicken and the veggies.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint delivers a gentle kick without too much heat.
- Rice or Quinoa: The hearty, fluffy base that catches all those juicy drippings and creamy sauce.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of color (and vitamin C!) in every bowl.
- Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and perfect for adding crunch and freshness.
- Romaine Lettuce: Light and crunchy; the ideal veggie bed for your bowl.
- Red Onion: Brings a little bite and gorgeous color contrast.
- Feta Cheese: Adds creamy, salty tang that makes the bowls feel extra indulgent.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: The base of the tzatziki; ultra-creamy and loaded with protein.
- Grated Cucumber: Makes the tzatziki extra fresh and cooling; don’t skip the squeeze to remove excess water!
- Lemon Juice for Tzatziki: Keeps the dipping sauce zesty and bright.
- Olive Oil for Tzatziki: Adds silkiness and a little richness to the sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Just a touch makes the tzatziki pop with zingy flavor.
- Salt for Tzatziki: Essential for balancing the cool, creamy sauce.
- Fresh Chopped Dill: The finishing herb for tzatziki, delivering a garden-fresh, aromatic note.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by making the delicious marinade for your chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This herby-citrus blend transforms plain chicken into something truly crave-worthy!
Step 2: Pound the Chicken
Take a moment to pound your chicken breasts to about half an inch thick. This not only helps them cook quickly and evenly but also lets all those wonderful marinade flavors seep into every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken to your favorite shallow dish or a ziplock bag, and pour the marinade over it. Let your chicken hang out in the fridge, marinating for at least 30 minutes (though up to a couple of hours is even better for deep flavor!).
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh chopped dill. Set aside in the fridge for the flavors to really meld.
Step 5: Prep the Rice and Veggies
Now get your base and toppings ready! Cook the rice or quinoa per package instructions, then chop up your romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumble some feta. Got olives? Toss those in, too!
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook. For extra ease, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 7 minutes on one side, then flip and finish for 3 to 4 more minutes. Prefer stovetop? Pan-fry in a skillet with oil over medium-low heat until golden and cooked through, turning as needed.
Step 7: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Let your chicken rest away from the heat for 5 minutes; this keeps it juicy. Slice it up into thin, beautiful strips—you’ll want a little chicken in every bite of your Greek Chicken Bowls.
Step 8: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowls
Time for the fun part! Start with a bed of rice, pile on the romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta, then nestle your sliced chicken on top. Generously dollop tzatziki, then finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeling it, a bit of lemon tahini dressing takes these bowls to the next level. Enjoy your Mediterranean masterpiece!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Garnishes
There’s something so joyful about loading up Greek Chicken Bowls with gorgeous, flavorful garnishes. Try a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or chopped parsley to make the colors pop. Another great touch: extra feta crumbles, a swirl of good olive oil, and a lemon wedge for squeezing just before you dig in. If you like olives, kalamata halves are classic.
Side Dishes
These bowls are filling all on their own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to stretch the meal, serve with warm pita bread or homemade pita chips for dipping in tzatziki. Roasted or grilled vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, pair beautifully with the Greek Chicken Bowls and make your table look extra festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Greek Chicken Bowls can be just as fun to serve as they are to eat! Pile everything onto a big, colorful platter for a serve-yourself dinner, set up a bowl-making bar for guests, or layer the components in mason jars for on-the-go lunches that are as eye-catching as they are practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bowls make fantastic leftovers. Store the chicken, veggies, rice, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge, so everything stays fresh and crisp. When you’re ready for round two, just assemble and dig in—easy and delicious meal prep!
Freezing
The marinated, cooked chicken freezes beautifully for up to three months in a sealed container. (Let it cool first.) While the veggies and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze extra cooked rice for a quick-fix future bowl.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the chicken and rice until hot, or warm gently in a skillet. Add your fresh chilled veggies and tzatziki just before serving to keep those crunchy, bright textures that make Greek Chicken Bowls so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may take a few extra minutes to reach doneness.
How can I make these Greek Chicken Bowls vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or falafel. You’ll still get savory, satisfying bowls with all the classic toppings and tzatziki.
What’s the best rice or grain to use as a base?
I love fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, but quinoa is a great protein-packed alternative. You can even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option—it absorbs all those tasty flavors beautifully.
Can I make Greek Chicken Bowls ahead of time?
Totally! Prep all the components in advance and store separately. Just wait to assemble until right before eating, so every bite is crisp, fresh, and fabulous.
Are Greek Chicken Bowls good for meal prep?
Yes, they are one of my all-time meal prep heroes! Just pack the chicken, grain, veggies, and sauce separately. Everything will stay fresh in the fridge, and you can quickly assemble a nourishing, exciting lunch or dinner all week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Greek Chicken Bowls that feels like a celebration in a bowl: vibrant, wholesome, and packed with the best Mediterranean flavors. If you haven’t tried them yet, this recipe is your nudge! Whip up a batch and let the zesty chicken, tangy sauce, and rainbow of veggies transport you to the sunny coast of Greece—no passport required. Enjoy!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Bowls are a delicious and healthy meal option. Tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice or quinoa, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce come together for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced or chopped cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup feta
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
Instructions
- Whisk marinade: Whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade.
- Pound chicken: Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick and add to a shallow bowl or ziplock bag with the marinade.
- Marinate: Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
- Make tzatziki: Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the tzatziki and set aside.
- Prep rice: Prep the rice and veggies.
- Cook chicken: Once the chicken is done marinating, preheat your air fryer to 380°F and air fry on one side for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for 3-4 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Pan fry: If you do not have an air fryer, heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium/low heat and fry on each side until golden and the temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes away from the heat, then slice.
- Assemble bowls: Assemble your bowls with the rice, veggies, sliced chicken, tzatziki. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Air fryer is recommended for a healthier cooking option.
- Feel free to customize the bowls with additional toppings like olives or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry, Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Greek Chicken Bowls, Healthy, Tzatziki, Mediterranean, Easy
