If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s fresh, filling, and bursting with sunny Mediterranean flavors, these Greek Chicken Bowls are about to become your latest obsession! Each bite is a celebration of juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and creamy tzatziki—all cozied up together in one delicious bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable for Everyone: Mix and match your favorite grains, veggies, or toppings—these bowls are endlessly adaptable.
- Seriously Flavorful Chicken: Lemon, garlic, and oregano infuse every bite with classic Greek flair (and that char from the grill is out of this world!).
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare all the components in advance for quick, healthy lunches and dinners all week.
- Balanced & Nourishing: Each bowl is packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats—leaving you full and energized.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you: the ingredients in these Greek Chicken Bowls are simple, vibrant, and each one brings something important to the party. From juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, to crisp cucumbers and savory feta—every bite is a burst of Mediterranean magic!
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein, ideal for soaking up that amazing Greek-inspired marinade and grilling beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Brightens everything up with signature Greek tang and flavor.
- Garlic & Dried Oregano: Infuse the chicken with those classic, aromatic notes you crave in Mediterranean dishes.
- Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Amp up the flavor and add just a hint of gentle heat.
- Cooked Cauliflower Rice, Rice, or Quinoa: Your base—pick whichever fits your mood or dietary preference for a satisfying bowl.
- Grape Tomatoes & Chopped Cucumber: Offer freshness, crunch, and color in every bite.
- Kalamata Olives: Add briny, savory pops throughout (use pitted and sliced for easy eating).
- Red Onion: Slices bring a mild sweetness and lively bite—just what these bowls need.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, cool, and bursting with herby goodness for dolloping on top.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, and absolutely essential for that iconic Greek flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: A finishing squeeze lifts the entire bowl—don’t skip it!
- Pita Chips (Optional): Tuck them in for extra crunch or use for scooping up those tasty bites.
- Fresh Dill & Parsley (Optional): Garnish for herby brightness and a pop of color.
Variations
The beauty of Greek Chicken Bowls is how easily they can be tailored to what you love, what you have on hand, or any special dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—you’ll never make them the same way twice!
- Grain Swap: Try farro, bulgur, or brown rice if you want something different from cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or falafel for a hearty, plant-based bowl.
- Add More Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or baby spinach all work beautifully and boost the nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the feta and use a vegan tzatziki for a completely dairy-free experience (still so delicious!).
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a zip-top bag. Give everything a good massage so the chicken gets coated in those bold, zesty flavors. Pop the bag in your fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour if you can!), flipping it once or twice to let the marinade work its magic.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high and brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, toss any excess liquid, and lay those breasts on the hot grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side (thickness matters!), until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F inside. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all the juices locked in.
Step 3: Prep the Bowl Ingredients
While your chicken is grilling, prep everything else. Slice the tomatoes, chop your cucumber, slice those olives and onions, and get your base (cauliflower rice, regular rice, or quinoa) ready. Layout helps assembly go super-fast!
Step 4: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowls
Divide your chosen base among four bowls, then arrange the sliced chicken right on top. Add your tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, a generous scoop of tzatziki, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, tuck a handful of pita chips on the side, and garnish with dill or parsley if you’re feeling extra fancy. Dig in immediately while everything is fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Bowls
- Maximize the Marinade: Don’t rush the marinating process—the longer the chicken soaks, the more incredible the flavor. If possible, let it sit overnight!
- Slice Chicken Across the Grain: Once rested, always cut the chicken breast thinly and across the grain. This ensures every bite is tender, never chewy.
- Prep Components in Advance: You can chop your veggies and cook the grains a day ahead, so assembling your bowls is a total breeze when you’re ready to eat.
- Serve Components Buffet-Style: Let everyone customize their own Greek Chicken Bowl—it’s perfect for picky eaters or a fun family meal night!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Garnishes
Finish your Greek Chicken Bowls with a shower of fresh dill or parsley for herby brightness. Don’t forget a big squeeze of lemon—it really makes those flavors pop and adds a little sparkle! If you like crunch, a handful of pita chips or roasted chickpeas are always welcome.
Side Dishes
These bowls are a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with warm pita bread, a classic Greek salad, roasted veggies, or a simple lentil soup. If you’re entertaining, serve with hummus, baba ganoush, and extra tzatziki for the ultimate Mediterranean spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer everything in a big serving platter for a family-style meal, or set up a DIY bowl bar so guests can build their own Greek Chicken Bowls just the way they like. For picnics or lunches, try assembling everything in mason jars (dressing at the bottom, grains and chicken in the middle, veggies on top) for a portable, no-mess option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Greek Chicken Bowls in airtight containers in the fridge, keeping the chicken, veggies, and base separate for maximum freshness. They’ll keep for up to 4 days—perfect for easy, grab-and-go lunches!
Freezing
The cooked chicken and cooked grains freeze wonderfully—just place them in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the fresh veggies or tzatziki, since their texture can get a little sad when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and grains in the microwave or in a skillet until just heated through. Add fresh toppings and tzatziki after reheating to keep everything crisp and vibrant!
FAQs
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Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing for best results.
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What type of grain works best for Greek Chicken Bowls?
It’s totally up to you and your preferences! Cauliflower rice is perfect for a lighter, low-carb option, while quinoa, white, or brown rice all make for a satisfying base. Even farro or orzo are delicious if you want to mix things up.
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Can I make Greek Chicken Bowls dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based tzatziki for that creamy touch. The bowls are still absolutely packed with flavor.
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How far ahead can I prep these bowls?
You can cook the chicken and grains, chop the veggies, and mix the tzatziki up to 3 days ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest results.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the ease and vibrant flavors of Greek Chicken Bowls. Give them a try this week—the colors, crunch, and zesty chicken will have your family asking for them again and again. I can’t wait for you to share this little taste of the Mediterranean at your own table!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal option. Grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served with cauliflower rice or quinoa, fresh veggies, olives, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash crushed red pepper flakes
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked cauliflower rice, regular rice, or quinoa
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chopped cucumber
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Pita chips (optional)
- Fresh dill and parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- For the chicken: In a gallon size Ziploc bag, combine chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, turning the bag occasionally.
- Cook the chicken: Brush grill grates or a grill pan with olive oil and heat to medium high. Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until no longer pink in the center. Let rest, then slice.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cauliflower rice or quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, tzatziki sauce, and feta cheese. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Add pita chips if desired. Garnish with dill and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
