Greek Chicken Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Greek Chicken Bowls are packed with flavor and offer a variety of textures that make each bite enjoyable. From the marinated and tender chicken to the crunchy vegetables and smooth tzatziki, every component adds something special to the dish. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite grains or toppings. It’s an ideal recipe for meal prepping, offering a balanced meal that can be customized to suit your preferences. With an easy-to-follow recipe and simple ingredients, this bowl is perfect for anyone craving a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken

• 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Bowl

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

• 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes

• 2 cups diced or chopped cucumber

• 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce

• 1 cup sliced red onion

• ½ cup feta

Tzatziki

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup grated cucumber

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill

Directions

1. Whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade.

2. Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick and place it in a shallow bowl or ziplock bag with the marinade.

3. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for more flavor.

4. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the tzatziki in a bowl and set aside.

5. Prep the rice and veggies. Feel free to add olives if you enjoy them, although they are optional.

6. Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Air fry the chicken for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. If you don’t have an air fryer, heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium/low heat. Fry each side for 7-8 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes away from heat, then slice into strips.

9. Assemble your bowls with rice or quinoa, veggies, sliced chicken, and tzatziki. Optionally drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, or lemon tahini dressing on top.

10. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 bowls

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Marinate time: 1 hour (or up to several hours for deeper flavor)

• Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version.

• Grain Alternatives: Feel free to swap the rice for quinoa, couscous, or farro for different textures and flavors.

• Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, olives, or even roasted eggplant for extra variety.

• Tzatziki Twist: Add a little bit of fresh mint or basil to your tzatziki for a unique flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken, rice, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki will last for about 4 days in the fridge.

• Reheating: To reheat the chicken, microwave or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warm. The tzatziki should be served cold, so keep it chilled until ready to use.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken bowls ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken and tzatziki can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep everything fresh.

2. Can I use a grill instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Can I use different vegetables for the bowls?

Yes, you can customize the veggies based on what you prefer. Bell peppers, olives, and roasted zucchini are great alternatives.

4. Can I make the tzatziki without dill?

While dill is traditional, you can replace it with fresh mint or parsley for a slightly different flavor profile.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F using a meat thermometer.

6. Can I use a different type of yogurt for the tzatziki?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick texture and tangy flavor, but you can use regular yogurt if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand. It may be a little thinner.

7. Can I freeze these chicken bowls?

While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire assembled bowl, you can freeze the chicken and tzatziki separately. Reheat the chicken before serving.

8. Can I substitute honey with something else?

If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute.

9. Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making it?

Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki if you’re short on time, though homemade adds an extra layer of flavor.

10. How can I make the rice or quinoa more flavorful?

Cook the rice or quinoa in chicken broth and add lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Bowls are the perfect dish for a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a fresh dinner for tonight, these bowls are a great way to enjoy vibrant Mediterranean flavors. With a little prep, you can have a delicious, customizable meal that everyone will love!