Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with these Greek Chicken Bowls, where zesty marinated chicken meets a colorful medley of fresh ingredients. Crisp veggies, tangy tzatziki, and herb-infused rice combine to transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasonings and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Bowl Components and Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together marinade ingredients in a spacious container, creating a fragrant herb-infused liquid that will tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Immerse chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each surface is coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat, allowing it to become thoroughly hot before cooking.
- Transfer marinated chicken to the heated surface, cooking each side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165F/75C, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- While chicken rests, prepare tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and dill in a mixing bowl.
- Slice the rested chicken into elegant, bite-sized strips.
- Assemble bowls by creating a base layer of rice or quinoa.
- Arrange sliced chicken atop the grains, then artfully distribute tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta around the protein.
- Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the bowl and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the herbs and citrus to tenderize and enhance the meat’s taste.
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the Mediterranean-inspired profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg