why make this recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls are not only colorful and appealing but also packed with nutrition. They feature lean protein from chicken, wholesome grains from quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables. This meal is perfect for anyone wanting a healthy option without sacrificing flavor. The Mediterranean flavors make it an exciting dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
how to make Greek Chicken Bowls
Making Greek Chicken Bowls is a straightforward process that can be completed without too much fuss. Just follow the simple steps below and you’ll be enjoying a delightful meal in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken breasts. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to infusing flavor into the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. You can grill it or pan-sear it over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks if you are using a grill. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken rests, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are nicely blended. This yogurt sauce will add a refreshing touch to your bowls.
Assemble the Bowls: Grab a large serving bowl or individual bowls to assemble your Greek Chicken Bowls. Start by creating a base with a portion of cooked quinoa and a generous layer of mixed greens. Then, layer the sliced chicken on top, followed by the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, diced bell peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
Drizzle with Tzatziki: Finally, take your prepared tzatziki sauce and drizzle it over the assembled bowls. If you wish, you can sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top for enhanced flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Greek Chicken Bowls are now ready to be served. You can enjoy them as is, or mix everything together for a delightful taste of the Mediterranean.
how to serve Greek Chicken Bowls
Serve your Greek Chicken Bowls fresh for the best experience. If you have guests, you can place a large bowl in the center of the table and allow everyone to build their own bowl according to their liking. This not only makes for a fun dining experience but also allows each person to customize their meal based on their preferences. Consider serving with extra lemon wedges on the side for some added brightness and flavor.
Adding a side of pita bread or a fresh salad can make the meal even more filling. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water would pair perfectly with these bowls, reinforcing the Mediterranean theme.
how to store Greek Chicken Bowls
If you have leftovers, Greek Chicken Bowls can be stored easily for later. Place the assembled bowls in airtight containers. Make sure to separate the tzatziki sauce from the rest of the ingredients to keep everything fresh. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a pan over low heat until warmed through. Fresh vegetables are best enjoyed cold, so you can simply add them back to the warmed chicken and quinoa. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce before serving.
tips to make Greek Chicken Bowls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients can elevate the dish. Try to use fresh vegetables and high-quality olive oil for the best results.
- Cook Quinoa Properly: Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness. Follow the cooking instructions well for fluffy quinoa.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, roasted vegetables, or chickpeas for added flavor and texture.
- Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight can enhance the flavor even more.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and add more veggies to enrich the taste.
variation
You can easily vary this recipe based on your tastes or what you have on hand:
- Herbed Chicken: Add a mix of herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the marinade for a more aromatic flavor.
- Grains: Swap quinoa for brown rice, farro, or bulgur wheat for different textures and flavors.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce for a kick of heat.
- Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, consider using goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as long as you ensure that no gluten-containing ingredients are used, especially in the tzatziki sauce if you use any pre-packaged items.
3. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Greek Chicken Bowls are great for meal prep. Just store the ingredients separately in airtight containers and assemble them when ready to eat.
4. Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, but it may be thinner in consistency. You can strain it through a cheesecloth to make it thicker if desired.
5. Can I add fruit to my Greek Chicken Bowl?
Yes! Adding fruits like sliced avocado, strawberries, or grilled peaches can bring a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients. Feel free to get creative!
These Greek Chicken Bowls are a delicious and versatile meal that makes healthy eating feel exciting and easy. Enjoy the journey of creating this recipe and savor the flavors of Greek cuisine right at home!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Colorful and nutritious Greek Chicken Bowls featuring lean chicken, quinoa, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy meal any day.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of cooked quinoa and mixed greens, layer the sliced chicken and vegetables, then top with feta and olives.
- Drizzle with tzatziki: Pour the tzatziki sauce over the assembled bowls and season to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve fresh, allowing everyone to customize their bowls.
Notes
For meal prep, store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, quinoa bowl, healthy meal, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner