introduction
These Greek Chicken Bowls are fresh, simple, and full of flavor. They mix grilled chicken, quinoa or rice, fresh vegetables, feta, olives, and a cool tzatziki sauce. For a clear step-by-step photo guide, see this Greek Chicken Bowls recipe post.
why make this recipe
- It is quick to make on a busy day.
- It is healthy and balanced with protein, grains, and vegetables.
- You can pack it for lunch or serve it for dinner.
- The flavors are bright and crowd-pleasing.
how to make Greek Chicken Bowls
Follow these simple steps. Cook the grains, grill or bake the chicken, make the tzatziki, chop the vegetables, and build the bowls. For a complete guide with extra tips, check this complete guide.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cucumber, diced for bowls (plus 1 grated for tzatziki)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 cups spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Prepare grains. If not already cooked, make 2 cups quinoa or brown rice according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat or bake at 400°F until the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber for the sauce, then squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the drained grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill while you finish the bowls.
- Prep vegetables. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion.
- Assemble bowls. In each serving bowl, add quinoa or brown rice, then a layer of greens. Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion around the bowl. Place sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with feta and olives, and serve with tzatziki.
- Serve immediately or pack components separately for meal prep.
how to serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Serve the bowls warm or at room temperature. Spoon tzatziki over the chicken right before eating. Offer lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness. If you meal prep, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat.
how to store Greek Chicken Bowls
Store components separately for best texture. Keep cooked grains, chicken, and vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store tzatziki in a sealed jar for up to 3 days. Do not mix wet sauce with greens until serving.
tips to make Greek Chicken Bowls
- Cook grains and cool them before assembling to avoid soggy bowls.
- Dry the grated cucumber well to keep tzatziki thick.
- Let the cooked chicken rest 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F.
- Pack sauces separately for meal prep.
variation (if any)
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a change.
- Swap quinoa for couscous or farro.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of broth vinegar for more acid.
- Use a dairy-free yogurt to make the tzatziki vegan.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Chicken thighs are fine. Cook until they reach 165°F and slice before serving.
Q: How long will these bowls last in the fridge?
A: Stored separately, they last 3 to 4 days. Keep tzatziki in its own container.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken or grains?
A: Yes. Cooked chicken and grains freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Is there a quick way to make tzatziki without grating the cucumber?
A: You can finely chop the cucumber, then drain it well. The flavor is similar but texture will differ.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use quinoa or rice and check labels for any added ingredients to keep it gluten-free.
Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
-
Prepare grains. If not already cooked, make 2 cups quinoa or brown rice according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
-
Grill over medium-high heat or bake at 400°F until the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
-
Grate the cucumber for the tzatziki, then squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the drained grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill while you finish the bowls.
-
Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion.
-
In each serving bowl, add quinoa or brown rice, then a layer of greens.
-
Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion around the bowl.
-
Place sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with feta and olives, and serve with tzatziki.
-
Serve immediately or pack components separately for meal prep.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare grains. If not already cooked, make 2 cups quinoa or brown rice according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill over medium-high heat or bake at 400°F until the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Grate the cucumber for the tzatziki, then squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the drained grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill while you finish the bowls.
- Dice the cucumber and bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion.
- In each serving bowl, add quinoa or brown rice, then a layer of greens.
- Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion around the bowl.
- Place sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with feta and olives, and serve with tzatziki.
- Serve immediately or pack components separately for meal prep.
