Greek chicken quinoa bowl

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched Mediterranean with our Greek Chicken Power Bowl, a perfect harmony of bright flavors and wholesome ingredients that brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your dinner table. This vibrant meal features tender, juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, paired with nutty quinoa and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

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This Greek-inspired power bowl represents the ideal of Mediterranean eating—simple, fresh ingredients combined thoughtfully to create a dish greater than the sum of its parts. The protein-rich combination of tender chicken and quinoa provides sustained energy, while the crisp vegetables and cooling tzatziki offer refreshing contrast in every bite.

Ingredients

• For the Lemon Herb Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 3 tbsp olive oil, juice and zest of 1 lemon, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Quinoa: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Bowl Toppings: 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved, optional), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• For the Tzatziki: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped, or 1 tsp dried dill), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts, coating them well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Quinoa

Meanwhile, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki

For the tzatziki, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide quinoa among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives (if using), and parsley. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure to properly drain the grated cucumber for the tzatziki by placing it in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing out excess moisture. This prevents your sauce from becoming watery. For the most flavorful chicken, don't rush the marinating process—even 15 minutes makes a difference, but longer is better. When cooking the quinoa, resist the urge to stir frequently; let it gently simmer covered for the fluffiest results.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile bowl can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or protein-rich chickpeas. Make it dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with a plant-based alternative. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of quinoa. Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an extra touch of authentic Greek flavor.

Serviervorschläge

These colorful power bowls are perfect as a complete meal on their own, but you could also serve smaller portions as part of a Mediterranean feast. They pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or traditional Greek Assyrtiko wine. For an authentic Greek meal experience, start with a small mezze platter of olives and hummus before serving the main dish. A simple side of warm pita bread makes a wonderful addition for scooping up any extra tzatziki sauce.

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This Greek Chicken Power Bowl represents the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor—a thoughtful composition of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you're meal prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a nutritious dinner to share with family, these vibrant bowls deliver Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, proving that healthy eating never has to compromise on flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 15 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat and allow it to rest before slicing to retain juices.

→ Can I prepare the tzatziki in advance?

Yes, mix the ingredients and refrigerate for a few hours. This enhances the flavors and keeps it fresh until serving.

→ Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter. It's recommended for a cleaner flavor.

→ What are good substitutions for chicken in this bowl?

Grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas provide excellent alternatives for a vegetarian option without compromising protein.

→ How can I add extra richness to the bowl?

Include avocado slices or crumbled feta cheese to enhance creaminess and flavor variety.