This Greek Chicken Bowl is a delicious mix of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy flavors. It’s like a party of taste in a bowl that you won’t want to miss!
I love piling on all the toppings. Sometimes, I add extra feta cheese just because it’s tasty! Just imagine, all that yumminess in one bite—what’s not to love?
This dish is super easy to prepare. Just grill the chicken, chop some veggies and drizzle with dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Both white and brown rice work well, but I prefer brown rice for its nuttier flavor and extra fiber. If you’re short on rice, quinoa or couscous is a nice change, too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and delicious. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness or even use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness, but avocado oil is a great substitute if you need a higher smoke point for grilling.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient and high in protein. If you prefer, you can use cooked lentils or black beans for a different taste.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy kick but can be swapped with goat cheese or even a dairy-free feta if you’re avoiding dairy.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought is quick and easy, but making your own with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill is so refreshing!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve juicy perfection each time. It all starts with marinating the chicken so it absorbs those wonderful flavors.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes—this helps keep it juicy.
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat before adding the chicken to avoid sticking.
- Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, checking for a golden brown crust.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps the juices inside!
How to Make a Delicious Greek Chicken Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Greek Chicken Bowl takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Once mixed, coat the chicken breasts evenly with this flavorful mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken breasts on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble Your Greek Bowl:
In a large bowl, start by layering the cooked rice as the base. Next, place the sliced grilled chicken right on top of the rice. Now, it’s time to add all the delicious toppings! Arrange the drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese around the chicken. Finally, add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top of the chicken or serve it on the side.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Bring a few lemon wedges to the table for garnish. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your Greek Chicken Bowl right before you dig in. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Protein in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; for instance, shrimp will take about 3-4 minutes per side until they are opaque and cooked through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Carbs?
If you want to reduce carbs, consider using cauliflower rice in place of the regular rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor, then sauté in a bit of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until tender. It’s a great way to keep the flavor while cutting down on carbs!
Can I Prep This Bowl in Advance?
Yes, you can prep components ahead of time! Cook the chicken and rice, and chop the veggies the day before. Assemble your bowls just before serving for the freshest taste. Store everything in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can enjoy the veggies cold or slightly warmed, depending on your preference!
