Greek Chicken Bowls

What Makes Greek Chicken Bowls So Special

There’s something truly magical about the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean, all gathered together in one beautiful, nourishing bowl. Imagine tender chunks of herbed chicken, fluffy quinoa, and the freshest vegetables, all brought together with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce—it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that feels like a holiday for your taste buds.

This recipe reminds me of a lovely trip my husband and took to a little seaside taverna years ago. The secret to that authentic flavor, I learned, is in the simple, powerful marinade. And I often get asked, what is the best way to season chicken for a Greek bowl? Well, my dears, it’s all about the oregano and lemon.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these fresh, simple ingredients is the first step to creating your perfect Mediterranean chicken bowl. It’s a lovely, colorful list that promises a delicious and healthy chicken bowl.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Bowls:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 large English cucumber, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Greek Chicken Bowls

These easy Greek chicken bowls come together in a flash, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes marinating)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a meal that is as joyful to make as it is to eat. This chicken quinoa bowl is a true labor of love.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, dill, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good toss, then let it sit and get happy for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the chicken marinates, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff it gently with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until well combined. This cool, creamy sauce is the crowning glory of your Greek Chicken Bowls.

Step 5: Prep the Toppings

Dice the remaining cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly a breeze.

Step 6 & 7: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the fluffy, cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top each one with the cooked chicken, your beautiful diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.

Step 8: The Final Touch

Garnish each bowl generously with crumbled feta cheese and a lovely, generous dollop of your homemade tzatziki sauce.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little secrets to make this dish truly sing. Here are my favorite ways to tweak this classic.

• Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Diet Tweak: To keep it dairy-free, simply omit the feta and use a vegan yogurt for the tzatziki.
• Prep Fix: To keep your chicken moist, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking.
• Storage Tip: These bowls are fantastic for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Healthier Alternatives for Greek Chicken Bowls

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how easily it adapts to a healthier lifestyle. Many readers often ask, “Can I make Greek chicken bowls ahead of time for meal prep?” and the answer is a resounding yes!

For a lighter version, you can use a light Greek yogurt, reduce the amount of feta cheese, or swap the quinoa for a bed of fresh romaine lettuce. It’s a wonderfully flexible and healthy chicken bowl that never feels like a compromise.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls

I love serving these vibrant bowls family-style, letting everyone dig in at my big, farmhouse table. It always brings back memories of sharing meals with good friends.

For a truly festive spread, pair your Mediterranean chicken bowl with a side of warm pita bread for dipping and a simple, crisp Greek salad. A glass of chilled Assyrtiko wine or simply some sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon makes for the perfect accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions