Colorful Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Recipe: Greek Delight!

Tender chicken sizzles with zesty Mediterranean chicken bowls flavors, promising a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

Marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, each bite bursts with authentic taste and texture.

The combination of juicy protein and fresh ingredients creates a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and light.

Colorful vegetables add a vibrant crunch to the dish, complementing the perfectly seasoned chicken.

Drizzled with a tangy tzatziki sauce, these bowls bring restaurant-quality goodness right to your kitchen.

Packed with nutrition and bold flavors, this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Best Way to Store Greek Chicken Bowls for Later

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Greek chicken bowls in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate wet and dry ingredients to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep tzatziki sauce, chicken, and fresh vegetables in different compartments when storing. This method preserves crisp textures and prevents flavor mixing.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare marinated chicken and tzatziki sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store chicken in sealed containers in the refrigerator and sauce in a glass jar with a tight lid. Chop vegetables just before serving to maximize freshness.
• Freezing Friendly Options: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain moisture. Avoid freezing tzatziki and fresh vegetables as they will lose quality and become watery.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 4

Greek Chicken Bowls: What You’ll Need

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky coating for chicken, choose extra virgin for robust taste.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, zesty notes, fresh squeezed provides the best flavor.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic depth, select firm cloves without sprouts for maximum pungency.
• Oregano: Introduces classic Mediterranean herb profile, dried Greek oregano offers most authentic taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use sea salt for more mineral complexity.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, spicy undertone, freshly ground offers superior aroma.
• Paprika: Adds subtle sweetness and gorgeous color, Spanish paprika recommended for deeper flavor.

• Chicken: Primary protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, choose boneless skinless breasts or thighs for tenderness.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy base with tangy kick, full-fat version provides richer texture.
• Cucumber: Brings refreshing crunch and cooling element, English cucumbers work best with minimal seeds.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce and balances richness, always use fresh for vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Adds pungent depth to sauce, crush or mince finely for even distribution.
• Olive Oil: Smooths sauce and adds richness, extra virgin recommended.
• Dill: Introduces delicate herbal note, fresh dill preferred over dried.

Helpful Tools to Assemble Greek Chicken Bowls

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and creating tzatziki sauce.
• Cutting Board: Essential for slicing chicken, vegetables, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.
• Grill Pan or Skillet: Critical for cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Grater: Used for preparing cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade and sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise liquid and grain measurements.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.

How to Layer a Tasty Greek Chicken Bowl

• Whip Up the Marinade

Combine zesty olive oil, bright lemon juice, crushed garlic, earthy oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. This flavor-packed liquid will transform your chicken into a Mediterranean dream.

• Soak the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated. Let it relax and absorb those incredible flavors for 30 minutes or stash in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.

• Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Crank a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. The goal is creating a gorgeous golden exterior that seals in all those delicious juices.

• Cook the Chicken

Sizzle chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it reaches a perfect golden brown and internal temperature hits 165F/75C. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

• Craft the Tzatziki

Blend creamy Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, a splash of lemon, minced garlic, and a whisper of dill. Chill this tangy sauce until mealtime.

• Assemble Your Greek Bowl

Layer a base of fluffy rice or quinoa, then crown with sliced chicken. Scatter fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, briny olives, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with tzatziki and sprinkle fresh parsley.

Greek Chicken Bowl Mix-Ins and Variations to Try

• Quick Marinating Magic: Boost flavor intensity by piercing chicken with a fork before marinating, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeper and create more delicious results.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Marinate chicken and prepare tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to save time during busy weekdays.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, gluten-free option that maintains the authentic Greek bowl experience.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same Mediterranean spices to create a plant-based version of this delightful bowl.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes to the marinade or including a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a spicier Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Serving Ideas for Greek Chicken Bowls

• Mediterranean Feast Party: Host a fun Greek-inspired dinner where guests assemble their own chicken bowls with various toppings and sauces.
• Fresh Lunch Remix: Pack components separately in containers for a vibrant work or school lunch that stays crisp and delicious until mealtime.
• Summer Picnic Star: Prepare chicken and tzatziki ahead, transport in cooler, and enjoy a delightful outdoor meal with minimal on-site preparation.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Cook extra chicken and tzatziki to create quick, healthy meals throughout the week with simple mix-and-match ingredients.

Vibrant Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean flavors with these greek chicken bowls that blend tender marinated protein, crisp vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce. Fresh ingredients and zesty seasonings create a wholesome meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 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
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk herbs, oils, and seasonings in a spacious container to create a vibrant, aromatic liquid that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors.
2. Marination Process: Submerge chicken completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
3. Cooking Technique: Heat grill pan or skillet to medium-high, creating an ideal surface for developing a golden-brown exterior. Carefully place marinated chicken onto the hot surface, cooking each side until perfectly caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165F/75C, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
4. Resting Period: Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring maximum succulence.
5. Tzatziki Creation: Blend Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and dill in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy, refreshing sauce.
6. Bowl Assembly: Layer a base of rice or quinoa, then strategically arrange sliced chicken strips. Artfully distribute tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta around the protein.
7. Final Presentation: Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the bowl and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, but overnight refrigeration will intensify herb and spice profiles for deeper taste complexity.
• Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when grilling or pan-searing.
• Control Heat Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F/75C, preventing undercooking while avoiding dry, tough meat that loses juiciness.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version, use plant-based yogurt in tzatziki for dairy-free option, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg