If you’re craving a meal that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, look no further than these Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls. Tender herbed chicken mingles with bright cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, briny olives, salty feta, and a tangle of orzo pasta, all tied together with a generous squeeze of lemon and a flurry of fresh parsley. Every forkful delivers a vibrant mix of flavors and textures—hearty enough for dinner, but fresh and light enough for lunch. Plus, with easy prep and a customizable lineup of ingredients, Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls might just become your new go-to for busy weeknights or impressive meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and full of color—the ingredients for Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls are proof that you don’t need anything fancy to deliver big flavor. Each component has a starring role, adding either savory depth, zippy freshness, or irresistible texture.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all the Mediterranean seasoning.
- Olive oil: Classic Greek richness that helps the chicken crisp and carries the flavors of the herbs and spices.
- Dried oregano: The signature herb for that distinct, earthy Mediterranean note.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and savoriness without the work of mincing fresh garlic.
- Salt: Balances and heightens the flavors in every layer of the bowl.
- Black pepper: Just enough to wake up the other spices and give a mild kick.
- Orzo pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up juices and holds the bowl together in every forkful.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy pops of color for freshness and a lovely touch of acidity.
- Cucumber: Refreshingly crisp and cooling—essential to any Greek-inspired bowl!
- Kalamata olives: Briny, deep purple, and totally addictive for their tangy intensity.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Feta cheese: Crumbly, creamy, and salty perfection with every mouthful.
- Fresh parsley: Bright and grassy flavor, plus a burst of green to finish the dish off.
- Lemon juice: The must-have ingredient to tie everything together with brightness and zing.
- Tzatziki sauce (optional): A cool, garlicky drizzle for extra Mediterranean flair and creaminess.
How to Make Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the orzo is just tender, giving it a little stir now and then so it doesn’t stick. Drain well and let it cool—this will keep your bowl from getting mushy and allows the flavors to shine.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While your orzo is cooking, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick marinade infuses every morsel with juicy, herby flavor. Heat a skillet over medium and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. The aroma at this stage is pure Mediterranean magic!
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice up those luscious kalamata olives. These fresh veggies will add color, crunch, and tang, turning your Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls into a feast for both the eyes and palate.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now the fun part: in a large bowl (or individual serving bowls), layer the orzo as your base. Add your juicy chicken, scatter on the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and onions, and sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta on top. Finish with lemon juice and a shower of fresh parsley. If you love a creamy touch, a spoonful of tzatziki on top is highly recommended!
Step 5: Serve Warm or Chilled
These bowls are brilliantly versatile—you can serve them right away while everything is warm (comforting and cozy), or chill them for a refreshing lunch later in the week. Either way, Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls will bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls
Garnishes
Finish your bowl with a flourish! Extra parsley, a wedge of lemon, or an extra sprinkle of feta make the flavors pop and add pretty finishing touches. For a creamy element, drizzle on tzatziki or even a little plain Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and fresh dill.
Side Dishes
These bowls are filling and balanced all on their own, but you can round out the meal with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or crispy roasted potatoes. A small plate of dolmas or marinated artichokes brings even more Mediterranean flair to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with the presentation! Serve “deconstructed” on a platter so everyone builds their own, or pack the Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls in jars for a fresh and portable lunch. For parties, use small bowls or cups for individual, appetizer-sized servings—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, making your next-day lunch even more delicious.
Freezing
While orzo and chicken freeze well, the fresh vegetables and feta don’t hold up as beautifully. If you want to freeze for meal prep, store just the cooked chicken and orzo in freezer-safe containers, then add the fresh veggies and feta after thawing for best taste and texture.
Reheating
For a warm bowl, gently reheat the chicken and orzo in the microwave or a skillet until just heated through. Add the veggies, feta, and fresh herbs after reheating to keep everything vibrant and crisp. If you prefer a cold, salad-style bowl, just assemble straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or sautéed chickpeas for a protein boost—either way, you’ll still capture all those classic Greek flavors in every bite.
Is it okay to use store-bought tzatziki?
Definitely. Store-bought tzatziki is a tasty shortcut, or you can mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, and garlic for a speedy homemade version.
Which orzo should I use: whole wheat or regular?
Either works! Whole wheat orzo offers extra fiber and nuttiness, while regular orzo is light and classic. Choose whichever fits your taste or dietary preference; the bowl will be delicious either way.
How spicy is this recipe?
Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls are mild and family-friendly, but you can easily spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken if you’d like some heat.
Can I prepare these bowls for weekly meal prep?
Yes, these bowls are a meal prep dream! Prep the separate components ahead of time and store them individually in the fridge. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a big, colorful bowl layered with so many flavors and textures, and Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls deliver every time. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a week of lunches, or sharing with friends, I hope you give this recipe a try—bright, satisfying, and so easy to love!
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Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Chicken Orzo Power Bowls are a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Packed with flavorful ingredients like tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, these bowls are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Assemble the Bowls: In a serving bowl or individual bowls, layer the orzo, chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Add tzatziki sauce if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Prepare components ahead of time for convenient meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
