If you’re craving a meal that feels both fresh and satisfying, this Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, vibrant veggies, tender grilled chicken, and creamy accents like feta and tzatziki, it’s a bowl that transforms simple ingredients into a feast worth sharing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, it brings together the best of wholesome nutrition and mouthwatering taste without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find but pack a flavorful punch. Each component plays a role, whether it’s adding a crisp texture, a zesty tang, or a hearty base to the bowl.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star that grills beautifully and soaks up all the herbs and spices.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps keep the chicken juicy while grilling.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek seasoning that infuses the chicken with an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle punch to the chicken marinade, enhancing depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Simple essentials to balance and elevate every ingredient’s natural tastes.
- Cooked quinoa or rice: A fluffy base that anchors the dish and absorbs the dressing and sauces beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and a bright pop of color.
- Cucumber: Adds cooling crunch to balance the warm grilled chicken.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the creaminess.
- Kalamata olives: Briny gems that provide a Mediterranean tang with every bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, the perfect finishing touch for that classic Greek flavor.
- Hummus (optional): Adds a smooth, savory layer that makes the bowl more indulgent without being heavy.
- Tzatziki sauce: Cool cucumber yogurt dressing that brightens up every forkful.
- Fresh dill: Fragrant herb that livens up the dish with its unique, slightly citrusy notes.
- Lemon wedges: Squeezed on top for fresh acidity that ties the whole bowl together.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Begin by heating your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. This is key to getting a nice sear on the chicken while sealing in the juices for tender, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix celebrates classic Greek herbs and spices, giving the chicken a delicious Mediterranean vibe.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and juices running clear. Once done, let the chicken rest for about five minutes to retain all those juices before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked quinoa or rice evenly into two bowls. Arrange grilled chicken strips on top. Then artfully scatter cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta over the grain base. The vibrant colors and textures make this bowl as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 5: Add Hummus and Tzatziki
Spoon a dollop of hummus into each bowl if you want a creamy, savory boost, then drizzle generously with cool tzatziki sauce. These elements elevate the dish, helping marry all the fresh flavors together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill for its lively aroma and serve with lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lemon right before you dig in will brighten the entire bowl, rounding out all the rich and fresh notes perfectly.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley work wonderfully as garnishes, injecting an extra burst of color and fragrance. For those who love a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sumac can add a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal by itself, but pairing it with warm pita bread or a crisp Greek salad can turn it into a festive spread. A light glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the Mediterranean profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe in mason jars for a portable picnic option or as a layered platter on a large serving tray for guests to help themselves. Using colorful bowls and arranging the ingredients in neat sections enhances the visual appeal and invites you to savor each component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ingredients separately if possible—grilled chicken, grains, and vegetables in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to three days in the refrigerator. Keeping sauces like tzatziki on the side prevents sogginess.
Freezing
The grilled chicken can be frozen separately for up to two months. Just wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer bag. Fresh veggies and sauces do not freeze well, so it’s best to prepare those fresh or plan to enjoy the dish within a few days.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm but not overcooked. Add fresh vegetables and sauces after reheating to keep the textures crisp and vibrant, preserving that authentic Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach the proper temperature.
Is quinoa better than rice for this recipe?
Both quinoa and rice work wonderfully—quinoa adds a lovely nuttiness and extra protein, while rice offers a softer, milder base. It’s all about your personal preference and dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted chickpeas. These alternatives keep the protein element intact while maintaining the bowl’s Mediterranean spirit.
How spicy is the Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild and focuses on fresh, bright flavors. If you crave spice, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when assembling your bowl.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken without a grill?
If a grill is not available, a grill pan or a hot cast-iron skillet works great. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until cooked through, then slice and add to your bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe is such a joyous combination of fresh, savory, and creamy that it quickly becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for two or turning it into a larger feast, the flavors never disappoint. I encourage you to give it a try soon—once you do, you’ll find yourself coming back to its sunny, wholesome goodness again and again.
Print
Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy Greek Chicken Bowl featuring grilled seasoned chicken breasts served over a bed of quinoa or rice, topped with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzled with creamy tzatziki sauce. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Grain Base
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hummus (optional)
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat a grill pan or an outdoor grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear on the chicken breasts.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides to infuse Mediterranean flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or rice evenly into two bowls as the base for your Greek Chicken Bowls.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the grilled chicken strips on top of the grains, followed by halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to create a colorful, flavorful bowl.
- Add Creamy Elements: Spoon hummus into the bowls if you desire extra creaminess, then drizzle generously with the cool and tangy tzatziki sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the bowls and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an optional citrusy kick.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with thigh meat if preferred for more juiciness.
- Use brown rice or couscous as alternatives to quinoa depending on taste and availability.
- Hummus is optional but adds a creamy texture and extra protein.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to prevent dryness; resting before slicing helps retain moisture.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought according to your convenience.
