BEST GREEK CHICKEN BOWLS

Craving a burst of sunshine in every bite? Imagine tender, marinated chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, topped with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and a drizzle of creamy tzatziki. These Greek Chicken Bowls are your passport to the Mediterranean, and I promise, they’re easier to make than booking a flight!

The Star Players: Your Greek Chicken Bowl Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked rice (I love using brown rice or quinoa!)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
• Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling the bowls.

Assembling the Bowls:

1. Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls.
2. Top with the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives (if using).
3. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tzatziki Time: Homemade or Store-Bought?

You can definitely use store-bought tzatziki to save time, but homemade tzatziki is SO worth the effort! It’s fresher, brighter, and you can customize it to your liking. If you’re up for it, here’s a super simple recipe:

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat)
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Spice It Up: Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these Greek Chicken Bowls is how easily you can customize them! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Grain-Free: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carb option.
• Protein Power: Add grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Veggie Variety: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts for added nutrients and flavor.
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs like mint, basil, or chives for a unique twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished bowls.

Prep Like a Pro: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to make these bowls even easier? Here are some tips for prepping ahead:

• Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cook the rice: Cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
• Chop the veggies: Chop all the vegetables and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Make the tzatziki: Make the tzatziki sauce and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve over time!

When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls and enjoy! This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

While these bowls are delicious on their own, here are a few ideas for serving them in different ways:

• Greek Chicken Salad: Toss the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki with mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
• Greek Chicken Wraps: Wrap the chicken and toppings in pita bread or tortillas for a quick and easy lunch.
• Greek Chicken Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them for a fun and flavorful appetizer.

Mediterranean Meal Planning: Complete the Feast

Looking to create a full-blown Mediterranean feast? Why not try pairing these Greek Chicken Bowls with other delicious dishes? A Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad would be a perfect, light and refreshing starter. You could also whip up a batch of Mediterranean Keto Chicken Skillet for another night this week, embracing those bold flavors in a different form. If you have pita bread handy, you could enjoy the elements of the bowl in the form of Mediterranean Chicken Gyros. For a heartier meal, consider making Baked Mediterranean Chicken Delight. Don’t forget the olive oil and fresh herbs; that’s the secret to authentic Mediterranean flavor!

The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Don’t Overcook It!

This is HUGE! The biggest mistake people make with chicken is overcooking it. Dry, tough chicken is a total bummer. To avoid this tragedy, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once it hits that magic number, remove it from the heat immediately. Letting it rest for a few minutes before slicing will also help keep it juicy and tender.

Also, remember that carryover cooking will occur! The internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees even after you take the chicken off the heat. So, it’s best to pull it off the heat when it’s just a degree or two below 165°F. Then, during the rest period, it will reach the perfect temperature.

My Secret Weapon: The Right Olive Oil

Okay, confession time: I’m a bit of an olive oil snob. But trust me, it makes a difference! Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the flavor of your Greek Chicken Bowls to a whole new level. Look for olive oils that are cold-pressed and have a fruity, peppery flavor. The olive oil is used both in the marinade and in the tzatziki, so it is a key ingredient. It can be a bit of an investment, but it’s totally worth it!

Just be sure to store your olive oil properly! Exposure to heat, light, and air can cause it to go rancid. Keep it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.

Don’t Forget the Lemon!

Lemon juice is a staple in Greek cuisine, and it’s absolutely essential in these Greek Chicken Bowls! It adds a bright, tangy flavor that really brings the whole dish together. Don’t be shy with the lemon! Use it in the marinade, in the tzatziki, and serve extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the finished bowls.

I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice whenever possible. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant flavor. Plus, if you’re using fresh lemons, you can also zest them for an extra burst of lemony goodness!

Level Up Your Chicken: Grilling for Extra Flavor

While skillet cooking works perfectly well for these Greek Chicken Bowls, grilling the chicken adds an extra layer of smoky flavor that’s absolutely divine. If you have a grill, I highly recommend giving it a try! Just be sure to preheat it to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred. Serve with a side of Chicken Caesar Sandwich, if you’re looking for more easy chicken ideas. The char marks not only look beautiful, but they also add a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from skillet cooking.

For even better results, try using a marinade with a touch of sugar or honey. The sugar will caramelize on the grill, creating a delicious sticky glaze. Just be careful not to burn the chicken! Keep a close eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.

If you are in the mood for an easier method, you can also try the recipe for Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken!

Ready to Feast?

So there you have it – my ultimate guide to making the BEST Greek Chicken Bowls! I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking. Happy cooking!