If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean goodness, you have to try this Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe. It brings together juicy, herb-marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade yogurt sauce that perfectly balances the flavors and textures. This bowl is colorful, satisfying, and absolutely bursting with sunshine on a plate, making it a weeknight favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish. Thankfully, all the components are simple pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh produce that each play an essential role. From the bright lemon zest to the creamy feta cheese, every bite celebrates wholesome flavors and textures that come together effortlessly.
- Chicken breasts (4 small, about 1 1/4 pounds): The main protein base that soaks up all the vibrant marinade flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps keep the chicken juicy while cooking.
- Lemon zest (1 tablespoon) and lemon juice (3 tablespoons total): Provide bright, zesty notes that brighten the entire bowl.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the acidity of lemon with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) and minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Layered garlic flavor that enhances both marinade and sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 1/2 teaspoons) and dried basil (1 1/2 teaspoons): These classic Mediterranean herbs infuse the chicken with authentic flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients into harmony.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): A hearty grain base for building your bowl, providing texture and substance.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Bursting with juicy sweetness, they add a fresh contrast.
- Cucumber (2 cups, diced or chopped) and 1/2 cup grated for sauce: Adds cool crunch and refreshing flavor throughout.
- Shredded romaine lettuce (4 cups): Light and crisp, it serves as the perfect green foundation for the bowl.
- Sliced red onion (1 cup): Offers subtle sharpness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup): Salty and crumbly, this cheese brings a creamy tanginess that ties the dish together.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): The base of the luscious lemon dill yogurt sauce that makes every bite satisfying.
- Fresh chopped dill (1 tablespoon): Bright, herbaceous flavor that elevates the sauce above your usual yogurt dressing.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse for the chicken, creating a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that will soak into every juicy bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes, but ideally a few hours if you have the time. This allows the meat to absorb all the herbal and citrus flavors, giving you tender and flavorful results.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken marinates, mix together plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh chopped dill. This creamy, zesty sauce is the signature component that makes this recipe truly special and ties all the fresh ingredients together in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl Base
Get your cooked rice or quinoa ready as your hearty grain base. Layer on halved tomatoes, diced cucumbers, shredded romaine, sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for texture and color contrast. Each ingredient adds freshness and crunch, setting the stage for the star of the bowl — the chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Perfectly
You can air fry the marinated chicken at 380°F (193°C) for about 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, a skillet works just as well: fry the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking it just right keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Build and Enjoy
Slice or chop your cooked chicken and add it on top of your vibrant bowl. For an extra flavor boost, feel free to add olives, a drizzle of olive oil, extra lemon juice, or even tahini dressing. Now, it’s ready to dig in and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of this delightful Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like additional dill or parsley make great garnishes, enhancing the fresh Mediterranean vibe. A sprinkle of extra feta or a few Kalamata olives will add pops of salty richness that complement the creamy yogurt sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek chicken bowl with warm pita bread or homemade hummus for dipping to round out the meal. A crisp Greek salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables also works wonderfully if you want to add more texture and variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the components separately and let everyone assemble their own bowls. This makes for a fun, interactive meal perfect for gatherings. You can also pack the components into mason jars for a portable, grab-and-go lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken, yogurt sauce, and fresh ingredients in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps maintain the texture and flavor without anything getting soggy. Leftovers are best eaten within 3 days for maximum freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken separately without fresh veggies or sauce. The yogurt sauce and crisp vegetables don’t freeze well and can lose their texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, taking care not to dry it out. Serve fresh veggies cold, and add a dollop of the lemon dill yogurt sauce just before eating to keep things creamy and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on your protein choice.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is preferred because it’s thick and creamy, which balances the bright lemon and dill flavors perfectly. You could substitute regular yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to remove excess liquid, but avoid thin yogurts.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the feta with a vegan cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt in the sauce. The flavor will be slightly different but equally enjoyable if you adjust seasonings to taste.
What can I substitute for fresh dill?
If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill or fresh parsley can be used, though fresh dill really shines here. Dried dill should be used sparingly as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
At least 30 minutes for good flavor absorption, but marinating up to a few hours will make it even more tender and flavorful. Avoid marinating overnight as the acidity from lemon might start to break down the texture too much.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful meals that come together quickly and beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and see how easily Mediterranean magic can happen in your own kitchen!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek Chicken Bowls recipe combines juicy marinated chicken breasts with fresh Mediterranean flavors including tangy feta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy cucumber dill sauce. Perfect for a healthy, vibrant dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, the chicken can be cooked quickly using an air fryer or stovetop skillet for golden results.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salad and Bowls
- 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 cheese
Creamy Cucumber Dill Sauce
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Make the Cucumber Dill Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh chopped dill until well combined to create a refreshing sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls: Arrange cooked rice or quinoa as the base in serving bowls. Top with halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Air fry the marinated chicken breasts for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides and fully cooked.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place over the assembled bowls. Drizzle with the cucumber dill sauce. Optionally, add olives, extra olive oil, lemon juice, or a tahini dressing to enhance flavor. Enjoy your healthy Greek Chicken Bowls!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer if possible to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute cooked rice with quinoa for a protein boost.
- Fresh dill is preferred in the sauce for authentic flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, stovetop skillet cooking works well—just ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Add olives or tahini dressing as optional toppings for variety.
