Delicious Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

I love a good Greek Chicken Bowl, it’s like a mini vacation on a plate! Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this dish brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to my kitchen.

Tender marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki come together to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also colorful and satisfying.

Ingredient List

To create my delicious Greek Chicken Bowl, I gathered the following ingredients. Each component adds flavor and freshness to this wonderful dish.

For the Marinated Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber diced
• ½ red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 1 cup roasted red peppers sliced

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt

• Fresh parsley chopped
• Feta cheese crumbled

These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and satisfying Greek Chicken Bowl that’s a visual delight and a treat for the taste buds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Grains
   While the chicken marinates, prepare 1 cup of quinoa or rice according to package instructions. If using quinoa, rinse it under cold water before cooking. For fluffy quinoa, use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
   Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half, dice 1 cucumber, thinly slice 1/2 red onion, and slice a handful of Kalamata olives. If using roasted red peppers, slice them into strips. Place all chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
4. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), 1 clove of minced garlic, juice from 1/2 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Bowl
   In individual serving bowls, layer a scoop of quinoa or rice at the bottom. Top with sliced chicken, the mixed vegetables, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Add roasted red pepper strips for extra flavor and color.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Marinade Options: If you want to switch up the flavor of the chicken, consider adding different herbs and spices to the marinade. Thyme or rosemary work beautifully in place of oregano. For a spicier kick, you can add red pepper flakes or paprika.
• Protein Alternatives: While I love using chicken thighs for their juiciness, you can easily substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Alternatively, try using shrimp or grilled tofu for a delicious vegetarian or seafood twist.
• Grain Choices: Instead of quinoa or rice, feel free to experiment with farro, barley, or even couscous for a unique base. Each grain brings its own texture and flavor to the dish.
• Vegetable Variations: I enjoy using fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber, but you can add other vegetables based on your preference. Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can elevate your bowl.
• Tzatziki Uniqueness: For a different take on tzatziki, mix in a bit of feta cheese for a creamy and tangy addition. You can also replace dill with mint for a fresher twist. Add some chopped olives or capers for an extra Mediterranean touch.
• Dressing Alternatives: If you want to stray from tzatziki, a simple lemon vinaigrette drizzled on top gives a light and zesty flavor. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing dressing.
• Storage Suggestions: This Greek Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal prep! If you store the components separately in the fridge, they will stay fresh. Simply assemble your bowl when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Serving Suggestions: To serve a crowd, consider setting up a build-your-own bowl bar with all the components laid out. This allows everyone to customize their meal to their liking.

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these variations! Enjoy crafting your perfect Greek Chicken Bowl.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate my Greek Chicken Bowl experience, I love to incorporate a variety of serving suggestions that add flair and personalization. Here are some of my favorite ideas to consider:

Build Your Own Bowl Bar

For gatherings or casual dinners, I often set up a build-your-own bowl bar. I lay out all the components including marinated chicken, quinoa or rice, fresh veggies, and tzatziki sauce. Guests can mix and match their favorites and create their perfect bowl. It’s a fun way to encourage creativity and cater to different tastes.

Add Extra Proteins

If I’m feeling particularly hungry or want to add variety, I sometimes include extra proteins. Grilled shrimp or marinated tofu work beautifully alongside the chicken. These options not only enhance the flavor but also provide a delightful contrast in texture.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

I enjoy garnishing my Greek Chicken Bowl with fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, or extra dill. The fresh notes brighten the dish and add an aromatic element that pairs well with the creamy tzatziki.

Incorporate More Grains

While I typically use quinoa or rice, experimenting with different grains can be exciting. Farro or couscous add a unique chewiness and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Serve with Pita Bread

I love serving my Greek Chicken Bowl with warm pita bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up the contents of the bowl and adds a delightful bread element to the meal.

Pair with Wine

To make my meal feel extra special, I often pair it with a nice glass of white wine such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Rosé. The acidity in the wine enhances the flavors of the dish and offers a refreshing balance.

Enjoy with a Side Salad

A light side salad is another fantastic addition. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil complements the bowl perfectly and adds extra freshness.

These serving suggestions not only enhance my Greek Chicken Bowl but also bring diverse flavors and textures to the meal. I love how each addition creates a unique dining experience every time I prepare it.

Nutrition Information

A Greek Chicken Bowl not only delights the palate but also nourishes the body.

I take pride in sharing the nutritional benefits of this dish, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Below is a breakdown of the key nutritional components based on a serving size that includes marinated chicken, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.

Nutritional Component	Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	550	28%
Total Fat	22g	34%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	85mg	28%
Sodium	700mg	30%
Total Carbohydrates	56g	19%
Dietary Fiber	6g	24%
Sugars	4g	–
Protein	35g	70%
Vitamin A	1200IU	24%
Vitamin C	25mg	42%
Calcium	150mg	15%
Iron	3mg	17%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Greek Chicken Bowl provides a balanced mix of macronutrients. The marinated chicken thighs contribute a significant protein boost, beneficial for muscle repair and growth.

Quinoa not only adds carbohydrates but also fiber, supporting digestive health.

Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes bring essential vitamins and help achieve a vibrant color.

Moreover, the tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt introduces probiotics, which promote gut health.

This low-carb, high-protein bowl can be easily adjusted to fit different dietary needs, such as using grilled tofu for a plant-based option or whole grain alternatives in place of quinoa.

Whether served for lunch or dinner, this bowl satisfies both hunger and health goals.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend the Greek Chicken Bowl enough. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.

With so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own each time you prepare it.

Plus the nutritional benefits make it a guilt-free indulgence.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl that satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals. Happy cooking!

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