Greek Chicken Bowls

Name: Greek Chicken Bowls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Marinate for flavors); 1 cup Greek yogurt (For marinade); 2 tablespoons olive oil (For marinade); 2 teaspoons dried oregano (For marinade); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (For marinade); 1 teaspoon salt (For marinade); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For marinade); 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (Base for the bowl); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Fresh topping); 1 piece cucumber, diced (Fresh topping); 1/2 piece red onion, thinly sliced (Fresh topping); 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (Fresh topping); to taste Feta cheese, crumbled (Optional topping); 1 few lemon wedges (For serving); to garnish Fresh parsley (For decoration); 1 cup Greek yogurt (Base for the sauce); 1/2 piece cucumber, grated (For sauce texture); 1 clove garlic, minced (For sauce flavor); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (For sauce acidity); to taste Salt (To season the sauce)

Greek Chicken Bowls are a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine in a simple and healthy way. This recipe features marinated grilled chicken served over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and a creamy tzatziki sauce. It is perfect for lunch or dinner, providing a nutritious balance of protein, vegetables, and grains. Anyone can enjoy this dish, whether you’re looking to eat healthier, prepare a family meal, or impress guests at your next gathering.

This recipe captures the essence of a Mediterranean flavor profile, making it refreshing yet satisfying. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh produce, and a tangy sauce will transport you to sunny shores of Greece with each bite. Easy to make and equally easy to customize, Greek Chicken Bowls allow everyone at the table to enjoy a meal tailored to their preferences.

Why make this recipe

There are many reasons to make Greek Chicken Bowls. First and foremost, they are delicious! The marinated chicken bursting with flavor contrasts beautifully with the crunchy vegetables and creamy tzatziki. Moreover, they are packed with nutrients. You’ll find protein from the chicken and yogurt, healthy fats from the olive oil and olives, and plenty of vitamins from the colorful vegetables.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile, accommodating various dietary preferences. You can easily swap out the chicken for another protein, such as tofu or shrimp, or replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Greek Chicken Bowls are also great for meal prep, making it easy to have a healthy meal ready to go for busy weekdays.

How to make Greek Chicken Bowls

Making Greek Chicken Bowls is straightforward and enjoyable. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can serve up a mouthwatering dish that will impress anyone. The key is to allow enough time for the chicken to marinate, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish

For tzatziki:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
For the tzatziki sauce, mix the grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt with Greek yogurt in a bowl.
To assemble the bowls, place a base of rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, if using.
Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Time Breakdown

When preparing Greek Chicken Bowls, time management is essential. The overall process involves a few key components, including marinating, grilling, and assembly. Marinating the chicken takes about 30 minutes but can be done earlier in the day for convenience. Grilling the chicken takes around 15 minutes, and preparing the tzatziki sauce requires approximately 10 minutes. Assembling the bowls should take no more than 5 minutes, making the total time from start to finish around 1 hour but worth every minute!

How to serve Greek Chicken Bowls

Serving Greek Chicken Bowls is all about presentation. For a family-style meal, place the rice or quinoa in a large bowl and arrange the grilled chicken and toppings around it. Guests can serve themselves, picking and choosing their favorite toppings. For individual servings, load up each bowl with the base, followed by the toppings, and finish with a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten the meal further.

How to store Greek Chicken Bowls

Leftover Greek Chicken Bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to store the components separately. Keep the rice or quinoa in one container, the chicken in another, and the fresh toppings like vegetables and tzatziki sauce in separate containers as well. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and assemble the bowls anew for fresh taste!

Tips to make Greek Chicken Bowls

To elevate your Greek Chicken Bowls, consider a few handy tips. For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for longer, preferably a few hours or overnight. Experiment with different seasonings and vegetable toppings, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition. If you prefer more spice, add some red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce or use spiced olive oil. Lastly, you can also try using store-bought tzatziki to save time!

Variation

While the standard Greek Chicken Bowls are delicious on their own, variations can add a new twist to this dish. You can replace chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Alternatively, consider making a Greek Chicken Salad by simply mixing all ingredients into a big bowl without the grains. Going grain-free? Use lettuce leaves instead of rice or quinoa for a refreshing lettuce wrap option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While heartily satisfying, Greek Chicken Bowls are also nutritious. A typical serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It offers around 30 grams of protein, essential for muscle building and repair, making it a great post-workout meal. The bowls also provide healthy fats, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and wholesome grains.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even beef. Each protein will bring its unique flavor, so choose according to your preference.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To ensure Greek Chicken Bowls are gluten-free, use quinoa as your grain base. Just make sure all other ingredients, including sauces and seasonings, are free from gluten.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken and rice part of the bowl. Just ensure they are stored in airtight containers. However, fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce are best enjoyed fresh, so it’s better not to freeze those components.

With these insights and tips, you are now ready to create delicious Greek Chicken Bowls. Enjoy the fresh flavors and nourishing components that make this dish a favorite at any table!