Are you in the mood for a meal that is both delicious and packed with flavor? Look no further than the Greek Chicken Bowl! This dish beautifully combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty grains, topped with a zesty dressing that will transport your taste buds directly to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this Greek Chicken Bowl is the perfect choice.
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Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowl
There are so many reasons to love this Greek Chicken Bowl! First, it’s incredibly simple to make. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delightful dish. Second, it is a well-balanced meal that provides plenty of nutrients. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while quinoa offers whole grains and fiber. The fresh veggies add a crunch and vitamins, and feta cheese lends a creamy goodness.
Not to mention, the flavor! The marinade is a delicious blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs that infuses the chicken with amazing taste. Plus, you can customize the bowl with your favorite toppings. Whether you want extra veggies, different types of cheese, or even a spicy kick, the possibilities are endless. And, best of all, this dish is equally tasty leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping.
So grab your apron and let’s dive into making the best Greek Chicken Bowl you’ve ever tasted!
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Greek Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken Bowl is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal packed with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy marinated chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and kalamata olives come together in a hearty and healthy bowl. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, hummus, or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Kosher pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa (uncooked)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- Pickled red onions (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
- Hummus (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken is marinating, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa among four bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
- Add any optional toppings like fresh herbs, pickled onions, avocado, hummus, or hot sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for meal prep.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor.
- Use pre-cooked quinoa to save time.
- Substitute quinoa with rice, couscous, or greens if preferred.
- This bowl is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Greek chicken bowl, healthy chicken bowl, Mediterranean recipe, quinoa chicken bowl, meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need for Greek Chicken Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Greek Chicken Bowl. This list includes both essential ingredients and optional add-ons to make your bowl truly your own.
Essential Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Kosher pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa (uncooked)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
Optional Add-Ons
Here are some ways you can customize your Greek Chicken Bowl:
- Fresh herbs: Add fresh parsley or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pickled red onions: These can add a tangy crunch.
- Avocado: For a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Hummus: As a side or dollop on your bowl for a rich flavor.
- Hot sauce: If you like a little heat.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Greek Chicken Bowl.
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This will help get rid of any bitterness from the quinoa’s natural coating. In a medium saucepan, add 1 1/2 cups of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Once done, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
While the quinoa is cooking, you can prepare the marinade for the chicken. In a jar or bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil, the juice of 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a sprinkling of kosher salt and pepper to taste. Close the jar and shake it up or whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. This marinade is really where the magic happens, so make sure it’s mixed well!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Next, take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them in a bowl or a resealable bag. Pour about one-third of the marinade over the chicken. Toss the chicken gently to ensure it’s evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. If you want even more flavor, you can leave it in the fridge all day or even overnight.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 5: Assemble the Greek Chicken Bowls
Now comes the fun part — assembling your bowls! Start by dividing the fluffy quinoa among your serving bowls. Next, layer on the sliced grilled chicken. Now it’s time to add the fresh veggies: top each bowl with diced cucumber, chopped Roma tomatoes, and diced red onion. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese and pitted kalamata olives on top.
Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing
Finish your Greek Chicken Bowl with a drizzle of the reserved marinade you set aside earlier. This will enhance the flavors and bring the whole dish together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Bowl
Your Greek Chicken Bowl is ready to serve, and it’s visually stunning with all the vibrant colors from the vegetables! Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Serve the bowls as individual meals for family or guests.
- Pair the bowls with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.
- Consider adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side for a cool, creamy contrast.
- A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can complement the bowl nicely.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Greek Chicken Bowl
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest vegetables you can find. They add vibrant flavors and textures.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, let the chicken marinate longer. Overnight is ideal!
Cook Quinoa Properly: Make sure to follow the water-to-quinoa ratio (2:1) for perfect, fluffy quinoa.
Season the Chicken: Don’t skip seasoning! Use enough salt and pepper to enhance the chicken while it cooks.
Keep it Colorful: Make your bowl visually appealing by using a variety of colorful vegetables.
Easy Variations for Greek Chicken Bowl
Love experimenting in the kitchen? Here are some easy ways to switch things up:
- Swap the Grain: If you’re not a fan of quinoa, try brown rice, farro, or even couscous for a different texture.
- Use Seafood: Substitute the chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon for a delicious seafood variant.
- Add Different Cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Roasted Veggies: Instead of fresh, toss in some roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a warm, comforting twist.
- Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat!
Storage Tips to Store Greek Chicken Bowl
If you have leftovers (though they might be hard to resist), here’s how to properly store your Greek Chicken Bowl:
In the Refrigerator: Store the leftover bowls in airtight containers. They can last for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
In the Freezer: You can freeze the components separately. The cooked quinoa and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion
The Greek Chicken Bowl is more than just another meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful journey inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. With its fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and endless customizability, you’re sure to love making and enjoying this dish! Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is your ticket to culinary delight. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor a bowl of goodness.
FAQs About Greek Chicken Bowl
1. Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
2. Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is a gluten-free grain, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
3. How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in any of your favorite vegetables — bell peppers, spinach, or roasted carrots work well!
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and quinoa ahead and assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat separately in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, avoiding overcooking.
Dive into this tasty adventure, and enjoy creating your delicious Greek Chicken Bowl!
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