Greek Chicken Bowls

Name: Greek Chicken Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 lbs chicken thighs; 2 tbsp Greek Seasoning; ¼ cup chopped radishes; ¼ cup chopped tomatoes; ¼ cup chopped red onion; ½ cup feta cheese; 3 tbsp kalamata olives (pitted); ¼ cup chopped romaine lettuce; ¼ cup hummus; ¼ cup tzatziki sauce; Optional: pita bread

By Courtney O'Dell

5 from 2 votes

May 13, 2024, Updated Sep 24, 2024

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Greek chicken bowls bring the essence of Mediterranean cuisine to your table with their combination of juicy, Greek herb-infused chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki, all layered over a hearty base of white rice or cauliflower rice!

This dish is one that keeps me motivated when I’m eating healthier or low carb (love anything cauliflower rice) – with so many of my favorite Greek flavors, all in one bowl!

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Delicious Greek Chicken Bowls
How to Make Greek Inspired Chicken Bowls
Tips and Tricks for Making Greek Chicken Power Bowls
What to Enjoy with Greek Rice and Chicken Bowls
Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

Delicious Greek Chicken Bowls

Greek chicken bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, herb-marinated chicken with a medley of fresh Mediterranean vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Served over a base of fluffy rice or crisp greens, they offer a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats, catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Easy to customize with various toppings like feta cheese, olives, and hummus, these bowls are ideal for meal prep or a family-friendly dinner. Not only do they pack a nutritional punch, but their colorful presentation and depth of flavor also make them a feast for the eyes and the palate.

These bowls are great for meal prep and pack a real punch in the flavor department. If you want to make them keto or low carb you can opt for using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice!

A plate of chicken gyro with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce, garnished with feta cheese.

How to Make Greek Inspired Chicken Bowls

First assemble the following ingredients:

Cooked white rice (2 cups) – Serves as a fluffy and neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the toppings and adds a satisfying texture to the Greek chicken bowl.
Chicken thighs (2 lbs) – Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are marinated in Greek seasoning for a tender and aromatic protein component.
Greek Seasoning (2 tbsp) – A blend of oregano, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest that infuses the chicken with the quintessential flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Radishes (¼ cup) – Thinly sliced radishes add a crisp, peppery bite that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients, bringing freshness and color.
Tomatoes (¼ cup) – Chopped tomatoes contribute a juicy sweetness and a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall taste and texture profile.
Red onion (¼ cup) – Offers a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and a bit of crunch, complementing the creamy elements of the bowl.
Feta cheese (½ cup) – Crumbled feta cheese provides a tangy, salty kick that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the bowl.
Kalamata olives (3 tbsp) – These briny, dark olives introduce a rich, distinctive flavor that anchors the bowl’s Mediterranean identity.
Romaine lettuce (¼ cup) – Crisp and refreshing, romaine lettuce adds a green, leafy element that lightens the dish and adds volume.
Hummus (1/4 cup) – Creamy hummus enriches the bowl with its smooth texture and garlicky, lemony undertones, offering a spreadable component that ties the flavors together.
Tzatziki sauce (1/4 cup) – Drizzled over the top, tzatziki sauce brings a cool, cucumber and dill-infused creaminess that melds beautifully with the spicy and savory notes of the bowl.
Optional: pita bread

Use this Method

Marinate Chicken. Season the chicken thighs with Greek seasoning in a bowl or a ziplock bag and leave it at least an hour ideally overnight in the fridge.

Bake Chicken. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Place thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temp is 165ºF. Cool and chop.

Prep Veggies. Wash and chop veggies.

Assemble. Put cooked rice at the base in the bowl you are eating out of and then add the rest of the toppings. Once your bowl is built, enjoy!

A colorful plate of greek chicken gyro bowl with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Making Greek Chicken Power Bowls

Marinate the Chicken Well: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 2 hours or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and traditional Greek herbs like oregano and thyme. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with Mediterranean flavors.

Use Fresh Vegetables: The quality of your vegetables can make a big difference. Use fresh, crisp vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions to add texture and brightness to your bowl.

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: While store-bought can be convenient, making your own tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill will elevate the freshness and flavor of your bowl.

Season Your Grains: If you’re using rice or quinoa as a base, season it with a little lemon zest, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This extra step adds another layer of flavor to the bowls.

Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure your chicken is both juicy and well-charred, grill it over medium-high heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

Assembly with Care: When assembling your bowls, consider the balance of colors, textures, and flavors. This not only makes the bowls more appealing but ensures a good mix of ingredients in every bite.

Personalize Your Bowl: Provide a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their bowl. Options like sliced olives, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and extra lemon wedges cater to different tastes and can make the meal more enjoyable.

Mind the Portion Size: Greek chicken bowls are hearty. Start with smaller portions of each component, remembering you can always add more. This prevents the bowls from becoming too heavy and keeps the flavors balanced.

Prep Ahead: Many components, such as the marinated chicken, diced vegetables, and tzatziki sauce, can be prepared ahead of time. This makes assembling the bowls quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Experiment with Greens: For a lighter version, use a bed of mixed greens or spinach as the base instead of grains. This adds a fresh element and increases the bowl’s nutritional value.

A bowl of chicken gyro with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce, served with pita bread on the side.

FAQs

Can I make Greek chicken bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a vegetarian version. You can marinate these alternatives in the same seasonings as the chicken for similar flavors.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating can impart good flavor.

Can Greek chicken bowls be made ahead of time?

Yes, they’re great for meal prep! Cook the chicken, prepare the veggies, and make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls when ready to eat. They can be stored for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?

Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Are there any gluten-free options for Greek chicken bowls?

Greek chicken bowls can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that your base (like rice or quinoa) and all condiments are gluten-free. Always check labels if you’re using store-bought marinades or sauces.

How can I make my Greek chicken bowls low-carb?

For a low-carb version, use a base of leafy greens instead of rice or quinoa and double up on the vegetables. You can also add more chicken or include other low-carb protein sources like cheese or nuts for added variety.

What is the best way to assemble a Greek chicken bowl?

Start with a base layer of grains or greens, add a portion of sliced chicken, then arrange your vegetables and any additional toppings around the bowl. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with herbs, feta, or olives before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, especially in the marinade and tzatziki sauce. However, if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work; just be mindful it might taste slightly different.

How can I make the tzatziki sauce thicker?

For a thicker tzatziki, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for a few hours or overnight to remove excess water. Also, make sure to squeeze as much water as possible out of the cucumber after grating it.

What to Enjoy with Greek Rice and Chicken Bowls

Feta Cheese: Sprinkling feta cheese on top adds a creamy texture and a salty tang that complements the flavors of the grilled chicken and vegetables perfectly.

Olives: Adding Kalamata or green olives introduces a burst of briny flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory components of the bowl, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.

Hummus: Serving hummus on the side or dolloped on top offers a creamy, garlicky element that can be mixed into each bite for added richness and flavor depth.

Pita Bread: Pita bread serves as a soft and fluffy vessel for scooping up the chicken and veggies, allowing for a delightful textural contrast and a way to enjoy every last bit of the bowl.

Cucumber Salad: A side of cucumber salad, dressed with vinegar and herbs, offers a refreshing and crunchy counterpoint to the warm and hearty elements of the chicken bowl.

Greek Wine or Beer: Pairing the meal with a crisp Greek wine, like Assyrtiko, or a cold Greek beer can enhance the flavors of the dish and provide a refreshing complement to the savory bowl.

Lemon Wedges: Providing extra lemon wedges allows diners to add a fresh zesty kick to their bowl, brightening up the overall flavors and cutting through the richness.

Tzatziki Sauce: Extra tzatziki sauce on the side means more creamy, cucumber and garlic-infused goodness to mix into the bowl, enhancing its moisture and flavor profile.

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