Greek Chicken Bowl

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Greek Chicken Bowl. This wholesome dish combines marinated grilled chicken with aromatic herbed rice and a fresh tomato-cucumber salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.

Save

Whether you are looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal-prep option, this bowl brings together juicy Greek-seasoned chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce for a true taste of Greece in every bite.

Ingredients

• For the Herbed Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Greek Chicken: 1 1/2 pounds (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Tomato-Cucumber Salad: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup cucumber, diced, 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Assembly: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved, 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade), Lemon wedges, for serving, Extra chopped parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the herbed rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add water, dried oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 4: Prepare the tomato-cucumber salad

In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

Step 5: Assemble the bowls

Divide herbed rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, tomato-cucumber salad, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a grill pan helps achieve those signature char marks on the chicken. Always ensure the rice is rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier result. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, try swapping the chicken for grilled chickpeas or halloumi. You can also swap the chicken for grilled shrimp. For extra richness, sprinkle a handful of crumbled feta cheese over the top during assembly.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus zing. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko or a light Sauvignon Blanc.

Save

Enjoy this wholesome Greek Chicken Bowl, a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables that brings a Mediterranean flair to your dining table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, most components can be prepped in advance. Cook the rice and chicken up to 2 days ahead, and store the salad separately to maintain crispness. Assemble just before serving.

→ What cuts of chicken work best?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking, but breasts work perfectly too. Just be careful not to overcook them. Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it moist.

→ Can I substitute the tzatziki?

Try hummus for a dairy-free option, or a simple garlic yogurt sauce. The cool, creamy element balances the seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables perfectly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki separate and add it fresh when reheating. The rice and chicken reheat well in the microwave.

→ What sides pair well with this bowl?

A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc complements the bright flavors. Warm pita bread for scooping or a side of roasted vegetables also work beautifully.

→ Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, this bowl is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your tzatziki brand and any seasoning mixes to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten ingredients.