The Greek Chicken Bowl is my ultimate go-to when I’m craving something hearty, colorful, and impossibly fresh. With juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty tzatziki, this bowl brings together everything you love about Greek cuisine in one beautiful meal. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or making a showstopping dinner, each bite is layered with flavor and just the right balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory. If you’ve never tried a Greek Chicken Bowl at home, you’re in for a total treat—let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about building a Greek Chicken Bowl is that each ingredient genuinely shines and contributes to the bowl’s perfect medley of flavors and textures. Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll have everything you need for a show-stealing meal, right from your own kitchen.
- Chicken breast/thighs: Tender, juicy chicken is the star—use either breast or thigh for juicy results; thighs offer extra flavor!
- Greek yogurt: Essential for marinating the chicken, yogurt makes the meat incredibly moist and infuses it with tang.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy zing that lifts all the bowl’s flavors; freshly squeezed is best.
- Olive oil: Brings luscious richness to the marinade and dressing, and makes everything taste distinctly Mediterranean.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp—fresh garlic is bold, aromatic, and totally amps up the classic Greek marinade profile.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that provides earthy, savory flavor—sub with fresh if you have it!
- Cooked rice or quinoa: The cozy base that soaks up all the juices—use fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for extra nutrition.
- Cucumber: Cool and crunchy, adding fresh texture and a burst of green to your bowl.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, tomatoes add color and a little pop in every bite.
- Red onion: Sliced thin for just the right bite—soak in cold water if you like it milder.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny, savory punch is pure Greek magic—pit them for easier eating.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly, creamy, and deliciously tangy; no Greek Chicken Bowl is complete without it.
- Tzatziki sauce: Homemade or store-bought, this creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce ties the bowl together with bright, garlicky flavor.
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or mint): Sprinkle on top for vibrant color, extra freshness, and irresistible aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season every component for layers of flavor with each bite.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slice your chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole (your call!) and toss them thoroughly in the marinade. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes—if you have time, marinate for a couple of hours or even overnight. It’s this step that makes the chicken unbelievably flavorful and juicy!
Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Toppings
While the chicken is soaking up all those Greek flavors, prep your veggies: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice cucumbers and onions, pit and halve the olives, and crumble the feta. This makes assembly super easy and allows each ingredient’s freshness to shine in every Greek Chicken Bowl you build.
Step 3: Cook the Rice or Quinoa
Get your base ready by preparing fluffy rice or quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff it up with a fork and season lightly with salt and a splash of olive oil. Even this small step helps your base taste just as good as everything piled on top.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken for about 3–5 minutes per side for small pieces, or until cooked through and golden. If you used whole pieces, slice after cooking for perfect forkfuls. That golden char is where the flavor and texture magic happens!
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowl
Build your Greek Chicken Bowl starting with a big scoop of rice or quinoa. Top with juicy chicken, then artfully arrange your cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onion, and feta. Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over everything and finish with a flurry of fresh herbs. Every colorful topping makes the bowl more tempting and delicious!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
A finished Greek Chicken Bowl begs for a handful of fresh parsley, dill, or mint for both color and an extra fresh punch. A sprinkle of extra feta and a lemon wedge on the side really take it over the top—don’t forget that final pop of olive oil just before serving for a glossy finish!
Side Dishes
This bowl stands proudly on its own, but if you’re thinking of a full spread, warm pita bread or crispy pita chips are a perfect companion. For something a bit more substantial, pair your Greek Chicken Bowl with a traditional Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a dollop of hummus for effortless Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try arranging the ingredients on a big platter so everyone can build their own custom Greek Chicken Bowl—instant dinner party fun! Or, tuck all the fillings into warm pita or wraps for a hand-held spin. Serving in mason jars or meal prep containers? Totally portable, totally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep everything tasting fresh, store each Greek Chicken Bowl component in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken, rice, veggies, and toppings will last up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and rice or quinoa for up to 2 months; just be sure to cool completely before sealing in freezer-safe bags. Avoid freezing the tomatoes, cucumbers, and tzatziki, as their texture won’t fare well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice or quinoa gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water. Add the fresh veggies, feta, and tzatziki after reheating to keep the textures crisp and lively when you rebuild your Greek Chicken Bowl.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in my Greek Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely! This bowl is super flexible—try grilled shrimp, lamb, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin. Each variation brings something new while keeping all the Greek-inspired flavor you love.
What’s the best way to make tzatziki sauce for my Greek Chicken Bowl?
Homemade tzatziki is as simple as mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. If short on time, a good-quality store-bought version works great too.
Can I make a low-carb version of Greek Chicken Bowl?
Yes! Swap out the rice or quinoa for a generous bed of cauliflower rice or even a green salad base. You’ll still have all the flavor and vibrant toppings—just a little lighter on the carbs.
How can I make this bowl dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for both the chicken marinade and tzatziki sauce, and skip the feta or opt for a dairy-free version. You’ll get the same creamy, tangy goodness in every bite!
Is this Greek Chicken Bowl good for meal prep?
It’s arguably one of the best meal prep recipes out there. Store your Greek Chicken Bowl components separately, then assemble right before eating for the freshest flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s as simple as it is stunning, the Greek Chicken Bowl delivers every time. With so many ways to customize and enjoy, it’s impossible not to fall in love. Give it a try this week and bring all those irresistible Mediterranean flavors right to your table!
PrintGreek Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Greek Chicken Bowl is a healthy and flavorful main course, featuring juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-assemble bowl brings the fresh and satisfying flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, turning to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed of extra moisture), lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the chicken is warm. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or parsley if desired, and enjoy your Greek Chicken Bowl!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken as long as possible for maximum flavor.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken and store-bought tzatziki.
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or roasted eggplant for more variety.
- Bowls can be assembled ahead for meal prep, just keep the tzatziki separate until serving.
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