Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and nourishing meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. This dish features marinated grilled chicken paired with a choice of fluffy rice or cauliflower rice, crisp cucumbers, tangy kalamata olives, red onions, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki. Easy to prepare, nutrient-rich, and perfect for meal prep, these bowls are a flavorful way to enjoy a balanced, satisfying meal any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Healthy and Flavorful: A perfect blend of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold Mediterranean spices for a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
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Versatile Meal Prep: These bowls can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week—perfect for busy lifestyles.
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Customizable Base Options: Choose between white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice to suit your nutritional needs and flavor preferences.
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Quick Cooking Methods: Whether grilled in a skillet, baked, or air-fried, the chicken cooks quickly and easily.
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Naturally Gluten-Free: With simple swaps, this recipe suits various dietary needs.
Ingredients
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice and zest
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Garlic powder
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Dried oregano
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Dried basil
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper
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Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
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English cucumber, diced
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Cherry tomatoes, halved
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Red onion, thinly sliced
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Kalamata olives
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Romaine lettuce, chopped
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Tzatziki sauce
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Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
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Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest before slicing.
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Prepare the Base: While the chicken cooks, prepare your choice of base (white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice) according to package directions.
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Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked base with chopped romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives.
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Add Chicken and Toppings: Top with sliced chicken, a spoonful of tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta if using. Garnish with fresh herbs.
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Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store for meal prep in airtight containers.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Marinating Time: 30 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
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Spicy Greek Bowl: Add hot sauce or increase red pepper flakes in the marinade.
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Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of grains.
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Dairy-Free: Skip the feta and use dairy-free tzatziki.
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Grain Swap: Try quinoa, couscous, or farro for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store ingredients in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days to preserve freshness.
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Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and rice for up to 2 months. Fresh veggies and tzatziki are best stored fresh.
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Reheating: Warm chicken and rice in the microwave. Add fresh toppings and sauce after reheating.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling works beautifully. Just preheat your grill and cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free version of tzatziki or a tahini-based sauce.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
White rice offers a fluffy texture, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Cauliflower rice is ideal for a low-carb option.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or pre-cooked grilled chicken can be used for convenience. Just warm it slightly before adding to the bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store components separately and assemble bowls when ready to eat for the best texture.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or shredded carrots make great additions.
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
Use a microwave or stovetop to gently reheat the chicken to avoid drying it out.
How do I make homemade tzatziki?
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt. Let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
Are Greek chicken bowls gluten-free?
Yes, when made with gluten-free tzatziki and grains (or cauliflower rice), this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are a flavorful, nourishing, and versatile meal that brings the bright, fresh essence of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or making a quick dinner, this recipe delivers satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the balance of juicy marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy tzatziki in a bowl that’s as good for you as it is.
Print
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled, Skillet, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired meal—packed with juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki atop your choice of fluffy rice or low-carb cauliflower rice. These bowls are fresh, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or anyone craving wholesome, vibrant flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Base (choose one):
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2 cups cooked white rice
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2 cups cooked brown rice
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2 cups cauliflower rice (sautéed or steamed)
Toppings:
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1 cup diced cucumber
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
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1/4 cup kalamata olives
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1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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Optional: crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges, fresh dill
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor). -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a cast-iron skillet, grill pan, or air fryer to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice. -
Prepare the Base:
Cook your rice or cauliflower rice and divide it evenly between 4 serving bowls. -
Assemble the Bowls:
Top each bowl of rice with sliced chicken. Add diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, romaine, and olives. Add a dollop of tzatziki. -
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with crumbled feta if using, and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill. Serve immediately or store for meal prep.
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt to make your own tzatziki.
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Add extra veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or shredded carrots for even more texture.
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Chicken can also be grilled outdoors for extra smoky flavor.
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Store assembled bowls without tzatziki and fresh toppings for up to 4 days in the fridge.
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