Greek Chicken Bowls

I still remember the first time I felt truly transported by food. I was on a sun-drenched trip through the Greek islands, and every meal was a revelation of fresh, vibrant flavors. I came home determined to capture that magic in my own kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I craved something both healthy and exciting.

That’s how my obsession with these Greek Chicken Bowls began. They are more than just a meal; they’re a mini-vacation in a bowl. This recipe combines tender, marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce that will make you swoon.

It’s the perfect solution for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner ready to go. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to make it absolutely foolproof, and I’m so excited to share my ultimate Greek Chicken Bowls with you. Get ready to bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Greek Chicken Bowls

There are so many reasons to make these incredible Greek Chicken Bowls a staple in your meal rotation. They are a true game-changer for anyone looking for a meal that is both delicious and incredibly practical. Here’s why I know you’ll fall in love with them:

• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a dream for planning ahead. You can prepare all the components on a Sunday and assemble your bowls throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. These Greek Chicken Bowls hold up beautifully in the fridge.
• Packed with Flavor: The simple marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano. Paired with the cool, creamy tzatziki and fresh toppings, every single bite is an explosion of Mediterranean flavor.
• Completely Customizable: Don’t love cucumbers? Swap them for bell peppers. Want a different grain? Use quinoa or farro. You can easily adjust the components to suit your taste, making this the most versatile Greek chicken rice bowl you’ll ever try.
• Healthy and Balanced: You get a fantastic mix of lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fresh vegetables. It’s a meal that not only tastes amazing but also makes you feel great. These healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick and Easy: Despite the impressive flavor, this recipe comes together quickly. The marinade does most of the work, and the rest is just simple chopping and assembly. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner solution for when you’re short on time but still want a fantastic homemade meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Greek Chicken Bowls lies in using simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of classic Mediterranean staples creates a dish that is both rustic and elegant. Here is exactly what you will need.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about making Greek Chicken Bowls at home is how easily you can adapt them. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to use up what’s in your fridge, here are some fantastic ideas to customize your bowl.

• Protein Swaps: Not in the mood for chicken? The marinade works wonderfully on shrimp, salmon, or even pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian option, use a block of firm tofu or a can of chickpeas (toss them in the marinade and roast until crispy). This transforms it into a delicious Greek veggie bowl.
• Change Your Grain: While this is a fantastic Greek chicken rice bowl, you can easily swap the rice. Try fluffy quinoa for a protein boost, hearty farro for a nutty flavor, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice. For an even lighter meal, serve everything over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to load up your bowl with more vegetables! Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, grilled zucchini, or chopped bell peppers would all be delicious additions to your Mediterranean chicken bowl.
• Try a Different Sauce: If you’re out of yogurt or not a fan of tzatziki, a generous dollop of hummus or a zesty lemon-tahini dressing makes a great alternative.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade to give your Greek Chicken Bowls a little kick of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most flavorful and satisfying Greek Chicken Bowls you’ve ever had. We will break it down into marinating, cooking, and assembling.

1. Marinate the Chicken: First, chop your chicken thighs into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery sauce. In a small bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, and minced garlic. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken on the stovetop or grill. For the stovetop, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. If grilling, thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until charred and cooked.
4. Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken cooks, chop all your fresh vegetables for the bowls. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives.
5. Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowls: Now for the fun part! Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the cooked Greek chicken. Then, arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives around the chicken. Finish by crumbling feta cheese over the top, adding a large dollop of your homemade tzatziki, and garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve your beautiful Greek Chicken Bowls immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

Want to take your Greek Chicken Bowls from great to absolutely spectacular? These simple tips will ensure you get the best results every single time and create a truly memorable meal.

• Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: I know it’s tempting to rush, but letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes is non-negotiable. The acid from the lemon juice and vinegar tenderizes the meat, while the herbs and garlic infuse it with incredible flavor. For an even more flavorful Greek chicken bowl, marinate it for up to 4 hours.
• Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts work, thighs are my top choice for this recipe. They have a slightly higher fat content, which makes them more flavorful and much more forgiving. They stay incredibly juicy and tender, even if you accidentally overcook them a bit.
• Get a Good Sear on the Chicken: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust, which adds a ton of flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary to perfect your Greek Chicken Bowls.
• Squeeze the Cucumber for Tzatziki: This is the most important tip for creamy, thick tzatziki. Cucumbers hold a lot of water, which will make your sauce thin and runny if you don’t remove it. Grate it, salt it lightly, let it sit for a few minutes, and then squeeze it dry.
• Prep Components Separately: If you’re making these Greek Chicken Bowls for meal prep, store each component in its own airtight container. This keeps the veggies crisp, the rice fluffy, and the chicken fresh. Assemble just before you’re ready to eat for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Tips

These Greek Chicken Bowls are fantastic for meal prep. To ensure they taste just as good on day four as they do on day one, follow these storage and reheating guidelines.

Storage: The key to successful meal prep for this recipe is to store the components separately.

• Chicken and Rice: Store the cooked chicken and rice together or separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Vegetables: Keep the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a separate container to maintain their crispness.
• Tzatziki and Feta: Store the tzatziki sauce and feta cheese in their own small, airtight containers.

Storing the ingredients for your Greek Chicken Bowls this way prevents everything from becoming soggy and ensures a fresh-tasting meal every time.

Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, place the desired amount of chicken and rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Reheat for 60-90 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the cold toppings—veggies, feta, and tzatziki—and enjoy.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While these Greek Chicken Bowls are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, a few simple additions can make your Mediterranean feast even more special. Here are some of my favorite things to serve alongside this dish.

• • Warm Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita bread is the perfect vessel for scooping up any leftover chicken, tzatziki, and veggies. You can warm it in the oven or toaster for a few minutes before serving.
  • Hummus: A side of creamy, classic hummus is always a welcome addition to a Greek-inspired meal. Serve it with extra pita or veggie sticks.

–A Simple Salad: A light side salad of mixed greens with a simple lemon-vinaigrette dressing complements the rich flavors of the Greek Chicken Bowls perfectly.

• Lemon Wedges: I always serve these bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens up all the flavors. This is a simple trick to enhance your Mediterranean chicken bowl experience.

FAQs

Can I make these Greek Chicken Bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Greek Chicken Bowls are ideal for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions above by keeping the hot and cold components separate. You can easily prepare everything on a Sunday and have delicious lunches or dinners ready for the next 3-4 days.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure they stay juicy, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness or cutting them into smaller, uniform pieces before marinating. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

Is this Greek Chicken Bowl recipe healthy?

Yes, this is a very healthy and well-balanced meal. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and feta, complex carbohydrates from the rice (especially if you use brown rice or quinoa), and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect example of the wholesome principles of the Mediterranean diet. These healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a fantastic choice.

How do I make a low-carb version of this Greek chicken rice bowl?

Making a low-carb version of this Greek chicken rice bowl is incredibly easy. Simply replace the rice with a base of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or a generous portion of chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens. All the other components are naturally low in carbs, so you’ll still get a filling and flavorful meal.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Greek Chicken Bowls

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A mini-vacation in a bowl, these Greek Chicken Bowls combine tender, marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, offering a healthy, balanced, and customizable meal packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s a quick and easy solution for a delicious weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1clove garlic, minced
4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, red wine vinegar, 4 cloves minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours
2. While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. In a small bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh dill, and 1 clove minced garlic. Stir well, season with a pinch of salt, and refrigerate until ready to serve
3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through
4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the toppings: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives
5. Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with a portion of the cooked Greek chicken. Arrange the tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and olives around the chicken. Finish with crumbled feta cheese, a large dollop of tzatziki, and a garnish of fresh parsley before serving

Notes

For the juiciest chicken, use thighs and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours.

The key to creamy, thick tzatziki is to thoroughly squeeze all excess water from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the yogurt.

This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas. Use other grains like quinoa or farro, or serve over lettuce for a low-carb option.

For meal prep, store the cooked chicken/rice, fresh veggies, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble just before eating.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 160mg