If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with freshness, color, and bold Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Chicken Bowl is going to be your new go-to recipe. Tender marinated chicken, vibrant tomatoes and cucumbers, creamy feta, and tangy tzatziki all come together over a bed of grains for a meal that feels like sunshine on your table. The flexibility and simplicity make it weeknight-friendly, but each bite tastes like something you’d find at a cozy seaside restaurant in Greece. Whether you’re meal-prepping, entertaining, or just craving something truly satisfying, the Greek Chicken Bowl delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Chicken Bowl is that every ingredient is familiar, accessible, and essential for the complete Mediterranean experience. Each component brings its own texture, pop of color, and layer of flavor, working together for beautiful harmony in each bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Thighs give more juiciness, but breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner cuts.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the marinade infuse every inch of the chicken with flavor.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brings a bright, zesty tang that’s quintessentially Greek and balances the savory notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives aromatic depth and a little kick, perfect for a vibrant marinade.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses classic herby Mediterranean flavor—don’t skip it!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the marinade ingredients together and seasoning the chicken beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and enhances the spices.
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous (2 cups): Forms a hearty, customizable base for your bowl; feel free to use your favorite!
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Offer sweet juiciness and a pop of red color.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Brings refreshing crunch and green vibrance to each bowl.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): For a little bite and that beautiful purple flare.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, halved): Salty, briny flavor bombs that scream Greece.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible—top off generously.
- Tzatziki sauce (1/2 cup): The cool, garlicky finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish: Chopped herbs brighten every bite and make your Greek Chicken Bowl look extra inviting.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. This aromatic marinade is the secret to that mouthwatering Greek flavor. Add your chicken, toss to coat, then cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—if you can, let it soak longer for even juicier results. The chicken soaks up all those herby, citrusy flavors while you prep your other bowl ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. You’ll want that lightly charred exterior for authentic flavor! Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing—this keeps the juices locked in so every bite stays tender.
Step 3: Build the Base
While your chicken rests, divide your cooked grains among the serving bowls. Whether you go with rice, fluffy couscous, or trendy quinoa, this base will soak up all the juices and toppings. Fluff the grains gently and spread them out so every forkful gets its fair share of toppings later.
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Extras
Arrange the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese around your bowl. Not only do these fresh vegetables add rainbow color, but they also bring layers of crunch, tang, and creaminess that make every bowl truly irresistible.
Step 5: Slice and Add the Chicken
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Fan them over the grains and veggies, nestling them right in so you get a bit of chicken with every spoonful. Don’t forget to drizzle any juices that ran off during slicing!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Dollop a generous spoonful of creamy tzatziki right on top of the bowl, then scatter with plenty of freshly chopped parsley or dill to finish. Serve your Greek Chicken Bowl warm or chilled, depending on your vibe—both are equally delicious and refreshing.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
For that extra burst of flavor and color, sprinkle your Greek Chicken Bowl with a final flourish of chopped fresh parsley or dill. A little extra crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon over the top can also really make the flavors sing. Never underestimate the power of a handful of microgreens for elevating your food’s aesthetic, too!
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad or grilled pita bread for scooping up every last bit of tzatziki. A serving of hummus or a platter of roasted veggies would round out a festive Mediterranean spread that’s both wholesome and crowd-pleasing.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the Greek Chicken Bowl components buffet-style and let everyone craft their own custom creation. Or, for meal prep, layer the ingredients in glass jars for a portable, envy-inducing desk lunch. You can even make mini bowls in small dishes or cups as a stunning appetizer for parties—the options are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store each component of the Greek Chicken Bowl—chicken, grains, veggies, and tzatziki—in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. This not only keeps everything super fresh but also makes it a breeze to assemble quick bowls when hunger strikes.
Freezing
The marinated, cooked chicken and the grains freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then pack in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for stress-free meal prep. Avoid freezing the fresh veggies and tzatziki, as they don’t thaw well and can get watery.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and grains together in the microwave or a skillet until just heated through. Add the cold toppings and tzatziki after heating to keep those bright, fresh flavors and the perfect contrast in temperatures.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of marinating and cooking the chicken myself?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut when you’re short on time—just slice or shred and pile it into your Greek Chicken Bowl. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the toppings and tzatziki.
What’s the best grain base if I want a low-carb or gluten-free bowl?
For a low-carb or gluten-free option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute. It’s light, fluffy, and soaks up the Greek flavors beautifully—in fact, you might not even miss the traditional grains!
Can I meal prep Greek Chicken Bowl for lunches?
Definitely! Keep grains, chicken, and veggies in separate containers in the fridge and combine just before eating for maximum freshness. Bring tzatziki on the side so everything stays creamy and delicious.
How do I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas, marinated tofu, or seared halloumi for a protein-rich, plant-based version. Simply swap out the feta and use a dairy-free tzatziki to make it vegan.
Is the Greek Chicken Bowl kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the colorful components, and you can let them build their own bowls, making it a fun and interactive meal. If they’re sensitive to onions or strong flavors, set those toppings aside and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
The Greek Chicken Bowl truly celebrates everything fresh, colorful, and delicious about Mediterranean cooking. I hope you’ll make it your own, try new variations, and enjoy sharing it with family and friends. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to a taste of Greece right at your kitchen table!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with these flavorful Greek Chicken Bowls. Marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce come together for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden. Let rest, then slice.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice, quinoa, or couscous among serving bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- This dish is highly customizable—add hummus, pickled onions, or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
- For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
