The Perfect Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe for a Zippy Homemade Dinner

Crafting mouthwatering greek chicken bowls brings Mediterranean flavors right into your kitchen.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a colorful culinary experience.

Tender marinated chicken nestles perfectly atop a bed of fluffy rice.

Crisp vegetables add crunch and freshness to every delightful bite.

Zesty tzatziki sauce drizzled generously connects all the delectable components.

Herbs and spices weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful and transport yourself to a sunny Greek island.

Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Why Greek Chicken Bowls Are Fresh And Filling

• Simplify Meal Prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and prep ingredients while waiting, creating a stress-free cooking experience that saves precious kitchen moments.
• Customize Your Bowl: Mix and match veggies, adjust spice levels, and play with toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Air fryer or skillet options provide flexible cooking methods that deliver juicy, flavorful chicken in minutes without complicated kitchen equipment.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal packed with fresh ingredients and bold Greek flavors right in your own kitchen, transforming a simple dinner into a culinary adventure.

All You Need For Greek Chicken Bowls

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the delicious Greek marinade perfectly.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: A classic Greek combination that infuses the chicken with bright, zesty Mediterranean flavors.

• Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic, Dill, Lemon Juice, Salt: A cool and creamy sauce that adds refreshing tanginess to the chicken bowl.

• Rice: A fluffy base that complements the chicken and absorbs the tzatziki sauce.
• Red Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and color to the bowl.

• Pitted Olives: A traditional Greek addition that brings a salty and briny element to the dish.
• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Extra drizzle for added brightness and richness.

How To Build Greek Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Chicken Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Gently pound chicken to an even thickness and submerge in the marinade.

Allow the chicken to soak up flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Craft Creamy Tzatziki

Blend tzatziki ingredients until smooth and set aside.

Prepare rice and chop fresh vegetables. Optional: Add pitted kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean profile.

• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber
• Fresh dill
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 380°F. Cook chicken for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Stovetop Method: Heat skillet with oil over medium-low heat. Cook chicken 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice chicken into tender strips.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Bowls

Layer rice as the base. Top with chopped vegetables and sliced chicken.

Generously spoon tzatziki over the top. Drizzle with extra olive oil and fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Serve immediately and savor the Mediterranean flavors.

Pro Tips For Greek Chicken Bowls

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
• Prep tzatziki and vegetables ahead of time to streamline the assembly process and make mealtime faster and easier.
• Customize bowls with additional toppings like pitted olives, feta cheese, or fresh herbs to add extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different cooking methods like air fryer or skillet based on kitchen equipment and personal preference for varied cooking experiences.

Easy Swaps For Greek Chicken Bowls

• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Replace traditional marinade with harissa paste, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat. Serve with spicy hummus instead of tzatziki for a bold flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Greek Bowl: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or crispy falafel. Keep the original marinade ingredients but adjust cooking method to suit plant-based protein.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Version: Substitute rice with protein-packed quinoa for added nutrition. Use same herbs and spices from original marinade to maintain authentic Greek flavors.
• Seafood Greek Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or white fish like sea bass. Maintain tzatziki sauce and original vegetable components for a light, refreshing Mediterranean-style meal.

Tasty Sides For Greek Chicken Bowls

• Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair Crisp White Wine with Greek Chicken Bowls
• Uncork Refreshing Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zesty marinade and cut through the creamy tzatziki, creating a perfect Mediterranean-inspired taste experience.
• Match Herbal Mediterranean Beer with Dish
• Select a light Greek beer like Mythos or a Belgian-style wheat beer to echo the herb-infused chicken and provide a crisp, complementary beverage that enhances the bowl's Mediterranean profile.
• Create Citrus-Forward Mocktail Companion
• Blend fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, mint leaves, and a touch of honey to craft a bright, tangy non-alcoholic drink that mirrors the chicken's citrusy notes and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors.

How To Keep Greek Chicken Bowls Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and components separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring tzatziki and chicken are covered tightly.
• Freezing: Wrap sliced chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze tzatziki and rice separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh vegetables.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium heat with splash of water to prevent drying.
• Bowl Reassembly: Gently warm rice and chicken, then reconstruct bowl with fresh vegetables. Add new tzatziki or drizzle with olive oil to refresh flavors and restore moisture.

FAQs On Greek Chicken Bowls

• What is the purpose of marinating the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the chicken, infuse it with flavor, and keep it moist during cooking. The marinade’s ingredients penetrate the meat, making it more delicious and juicy.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or turkey. Just ensure the meat is pounded to a similar thickness and cooked to the proper internal temperature for food safety.

• Do I need a special kitchen tool to cook the chicken?

No, the recipe offers two cooking methods: air fryer or skillet. Both work well, so use whichever appliance you have available. The key is cooking the chicken until it reaches 165°F internally.

• How spicy or mild is this dish?

The recipe is generally mild with Mediterranean flavors.

Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in these Greek Chicken Bowls, bringing zesty marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki together in one satisfying meal. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, you’ll savor each colorful bite of this simple yet exciting Greek-inspired culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 small chicken breasts (about 1.25 pounds or 567 grams)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Bowl Components:

• 2 cups (370 grams) cooked rice or quinoa
• 2 cups (340 grams) halved grape or cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups (300 grams) diced or chopped cucumber
• 4 cups (400 grams) shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup (160 grams) sliced red onion
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) feta cheese

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup (245 grams) plain Greek yogurt
• 0.5 cup (120 grams) grated cucumber
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken marinade by thoroughly whisking all components in a mixing container. Gently pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness, then immerse in marinade within a shallow dish or sealed plastic bag. Allow chicken to absorb flavors for 30 minutes to several hours in the refrigerator.
2. Create tzatziki sauce by blending all specified ingredients until smooth. Set aside in a separate container. Wash and chop vegetables, cook rice, and have optional pitted olives ready for assembly.
3. For air fryer method, preheat to 380°F. Place marinated chicken in basket and cook for 7 minutes on first side. Rotate and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Alternative stovetop technique involves heating a skillet with oil over medium-low temperature. Sear chicken 7-8 minutes per side, ensuring golden exterior and complete internal cooking.
5. Remove chicken from heat source and allow 5 minutes of resting to retain moisture and redistribute internal juices. Slice chicken against the grain for optimal tenderness.
6. Construct bowls by layering rice as foundation, arranging chopped vegetables, positioning sliced chicken strategically. Generously dollop tzatziki sauce, drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice for enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but avoid exceeding 8 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s texture.
• Adjust tzatziki consistency by straining yogurt through cheesecloth for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of milk for a lighter version.
• For gluten-free option, replace any potential wheat-based marinade ingredients with tamari or gluten-free alternatives and use certified gluten-free rice.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg