There’s something about a well-constructed bowl that feels like the ultimate solution to dinnertime dilemmas. These Greek Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, wholesome ingredients, and customizable components. They’re ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even serving to guests who love a healthy, satisfying meal.
Picture this: juicy, lemon-herb marinated chicken paired with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a drizzle of creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all over a base of rice or quinoa. The result is a balanced, flavor-packed dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent.
This recipe has become a staple in my home. I first made it on a whim after craving something light yet hearty, and now it’s in our regular rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means everyone in the family can customize their bowl to their liking. Whether you’re into extra veggies, love a little more tzatziki, or prefer a low-carb version, these bowls are endlessly adaptable.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Bowls
First off, let’s talk about the bold, fresh flavors. The chicken is marinated in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and Mediterranean herbs, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. The tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, garlicky tang that ties everything together beautifully.
Secondly, this recipe is easy to make. You can prep most of the components ahead of time, which means assembly is a breeze when it’s time to eat. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you want something quick but satisfying.
And let’s not forget how healthy and customizable these bowls are. They’re packed with protein, fresh veggies, and whole grains, making them a balanced meal. Plus, they’re easy to adapt for different dietary preferences, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or dairy-free.
Lastly, these bowls are perfect for meal prep. Make the chicken, rice, and tzatziki ahead of time, and you’ve got everything you need for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious bowls:
The Chicken Marinade
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs): Pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the acidity of the lemon.
- 1 tsp garlic powder, 1½ tsp dried oregano, 1½ tsp dried basil: Classic Mediterranean spices that give the chicken its signature flavor.
- 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp red pepper flakes: For seasoning and a touch of heat.
The Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa: A hearty base that soaks up all the flavors. Quinoa works well for a lighter, gluten-free option.
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add freshness.
- 2 cups diced cucumber: Crisp and refreshing.
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce: Adds crunch and volume.
- 1 cup sliced red onion: For a bit of sharpness.
- ½ cup feta cheese (or vegan feta for dairy-free): Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect topping.
The Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative): Creamy and protein-packed.
- ½ cup grated cucumber: Adds freshness and texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp olive oil: For brightness and richness.
- 1 tsp minced garlic and ¼ tsp salt: For bold flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill: Adds a fragrant, herby note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pound the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking, then place them in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, a few hours will deepen the flavors even more.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber using a box grater, then gently squeeze out the excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to avoid watery tzatziki. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh dill. Stir everything together until well combined, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Chicken
You can cook the chicken using either an air fryer or a skillet, depending on your preference:
Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the chicken in a single layer in the basket and cook for 7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Skillet Option: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 7–8 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part—assembling your bowls! Start by layering your base (rice or quinoa) at the bottom of each bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top, followed by the halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded romaine, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the bowls with the homemade tzatziki sauce, and if you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice or an extra drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Bowls
- Don’t skip the marinating time: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh dill, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers are key to achieving that bright Mediterranean flavor.
- Cook the chicken evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks through without drying out.
- Meal prep smartly: Store each component in separate containers to keep everything fresh, and assemble the bowls right before eating.
Dietary Modifications
These Greek Chicken Bowls are naturally versatile and can easily be adapted to fit your dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based Greek yogurt and vegan feta cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or quinoa and serve the ingredients over a bed of shredded lettuce for a salad-style bowl.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as your base.
How to Serve
These bowls are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or cold. Here are some ideas:
- For a cozy dinner, serve them warm with freshly cooked rice or quinoa.
- For a refreshing lunch, opt for a cold bowl with chilled ingredients. Quinoa works particularly well for cold bowls.
- Add a side of warm pita bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Storing and Reheating
If you’re meal prepping, store the chicken, rice or quinoa, veggies, and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowls with the fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls are everything you could want in a meal: fresh, flavorful, healthy, and customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick dinner, these bowls deliver on every front. The juicy, marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
I’d love to hear how your bowls turn out! Share your creations on Instagram and tag me, or leave a comment below with your favorite twists on this recipe. Happy cooking!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls – Fresh, Healthy, and Customizable Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Bowls are a healthy, flavorful, and customizable dish featuring marinated lemon herb chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce. With a base of rice or quinoa, these bowls are perfect for meal prep or a quick, balanced weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1¼ lbs)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup feta cheese (or vegan feta for dairy-free)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup grated cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
Instructions
- Whisk all marinade ingredients together and coat the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine tzatziki ingredients in a bowl, mix, and refrigerate.
- Cook chicken in a skillet or air fryer until golden and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Layer rice or quinoa, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, red onion, and feta in bowls. Top with tzatziki sauce and garnish with olive oil or a lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or skip the grains entirely.
- Use plant-based yogurt and feta for a dairy-free version.
- Store all ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating, Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean