Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, fresh, and nutritious meal that combines all the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine into a satisfying and balanced bowl. Featuring seasoned grilled chicken, colorful veggies, creamy tzatziki, and hearty grains, this dish is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, preparing a quick dinner, or looking to enjoy a wholesome lunch, Greek chicken bowls offer a flavorful and filling option that’s both delicious and good for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken is tender and flavorful, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and color. The creamy tzatziki sauce brings a cool, tangy element that complements the richness of the chicken, and the addition of quinoa or rice makes it a filling meal that will keep you satisfied. This dish is full of healthy ingredients and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile and satisfying choice for any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for more flavor).
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Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
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Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Assemble the bowls: Start by placing a serving of quinoa or brown rice in each bowl as the base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
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Serve: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top of each bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3 servings
- Total time: 40-45 minutes (including marination time)
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the grilled chicken with chickpeas, falafel, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Add more greens: Incorporate mixed greens like spinach or arugula into the bowls for added nutrients and freshness.
- Use different grains: Swap quinoa for couscous, farro, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add avocado: Top the bowl with slices of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spicy version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the assembled bowls (without the tzatziki sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Store any leftover tzatziki sauce in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken and grains, microwave them in 30-second intervals. Add fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They are slightly more tender and juicy compared to breasts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken, grains, and tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice, this recipe is gluten-free. Ensure that the tzatziki sauce is made with gluten-free ingredients.
4. Can I use a store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki, but making it from scratch with fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and make it even more nutritious.
5. Can I use other vegetables for the bowls?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted eggplant to the bowls for extra flavor and nutrients.
6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free by using dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut yogurt) and skipping the feta cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative.
7. How can I add more protein to this dish?
For added protein, you can top the bowl with a hard-boiled egg, grilled shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
8. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce or drizzle the bowl with hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.
9. Can I serve this dish warm or cold?
This dish is versatile and can be served warm or cold. For a warm meal, serve the chicken and grains immediately after cooking. For a cold version, you can refrigerate the ingredients and enjoy a refreshing bowl.
10. Can I use a different dressing instead of tzatziki?
Yes, you can use a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, hummus, or tahini sauce as an alternative to tzatziki if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a delicious, nutritious, and customizable meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. Packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh vegetables, these bowls are perfect for anyone looking for a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just want a flavorful, wholesome dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love?
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Delicious & Nutritious: Unveiling Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (including marination time)
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, nutritious meal that brings the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine into a customizable and satisfying bowl. Featuring grilled chicken, fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki sauce, and hearty grains like quinoa or brown rice, these bowls are a balanced, protein-packed option perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner. They offer a flavorful and healthy alternative for anyone looking for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the bowls: Place a serving of quinoa or brown rice in each bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top of each bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with chickpeas, falafel, or roasted vegetables.
- If you prefer a low-carb meal, swap quinoa for cauliflower rice.
- To make the dish spicier, drizzle the bowls with hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes.
- You can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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