why make this recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, simple, and satisfying meal. With tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, these bowls are not only enjoyable to eat but also beautiful to look at. They are an excellent choice for meal prep, as you can prepare them in advance for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. Plus, Greek cuisine is known for its nutritious ingredients, making this dish a wholesome choice for the whole family.
how to make Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Rice or quinoa
- Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice)
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken: Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts into the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Marinating helps to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
Cook the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can either grill the chicken on a preheated grill or bake it in the oven. If grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks. If baking, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well blended. This sauce adds a refreshing and creamy element to your bowls.
Cook the Rice or Quinoa: Depending on your preference, cook the rice or quinoa according to the package instructions. This typically involves rinsing the grains, bringing water to a boil, and simmering until fluffy. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork.
Chop the Vegetables: While waiting for the grains to cook, chop the fresh vegetables. Dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes, and slice the red onion. You can use as much or as little of these as you like, depending on your taste preference.
Assemble the Bowls: Once the chicken is cooked and the grains are ready, it’s time to assemble your Greek Chicken Bowls. Start with a base of rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with the sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of the tzatziki sauce.
Garnish: Finish your bowls by crumbling feta cheese over the top and adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
how to serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Serve your Greek Chicken Bowls warm, right after assembling them. These bowls can be a complete meal on their own, making them perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also serve them with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little more creaminess. Another fun option is to let everyone assemble their own bowls at the table, allowing for customization according to personal taste.
how to store Greek Chicken Bowls
If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, Greek Chicken Bowls can be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to place the separate components in airtight containers to keep them fresh. The marinated and cooked chicken can last for about 3-4 days. The tzatziki sauce should also be consumed within 3-5 days. For the grains and veggies, they can stay fresh for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat them, just reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or on a stovetop before assembling your bowls again.
tips to make Greek Chicken Bowls
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to add herbs like oregano or thyme to the marinade for extra flavor. You can also use other types of protein such as shrimp or lamb.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, consider using a meat thermometer. This will help you avoid overcooking or undercooking the meat.
- Prepare Ingredients Ahead: For a quicker meal on busy nights, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Everything can be assembled quickly when you’re ready to eat.
- Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian option that still captures the Greek flavors.
variation
You can easily customize Greek Chicken Bowls to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Grain Alternatives: Instead of rice or quinoa, try using farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add Olives: For an extra briny touch, consider adding Kalamata olives to your bowls.
- Spicy Twist: Add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.Is it possible to make tzatziki sauce without yogurt?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or combine cucumber and garlic with hummus to create a different creamy topping.How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Greek Chicken Bowls gluten-free, just stick with rice or quinoa as your base and ensure that the tzatziki sauce ingredients are gluten-free. Most fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and the marinade ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Greek Chicken Bowls are a delightful meal packed with flavor, freshness, and nutrition. With a little preparation and creativity, you can make this dish your own and enjoy it anytime. Whether for a family dinner or a lunch to take to work, these bowls will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with healthy eating!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious Greek-inspired bowl featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 Red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Rice or quinoa
- 1 cup Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Combine yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
- Cook the rice or quinoa according to the package instructions.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice cucumber, chop tomatoes, and slice the red onion.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with rice or quinoa, top with sliced chicken, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Customize your marinade and consider using vegetarian protein alternatives. Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Greek, chicken, bowls, healthy, meal prep, tzatziki