Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe

Meet your new go-to weeknight dinner: the Greek Chicken Bowl! With layers of fluffy quinoa, juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and salty feta, all brought together by a sunshiny lemon-oregano dressing, this bowl is like a trip to the Aegean in 30 minutes (and honestly, who’s not on board for that?).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the beauty of simple ingredients! Every element in this Greek Chicken Bowl not only brings color and freshness, but each one adds its own pop of flavor or texture—making every bite a little party. Here’s what you’ll need (and why):

• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Use a good-quality oil to add richness to your marinade and dressing—it’s the backbone flavor of the whole bowl.
• Fresh Lemons (juiced & zested): Lemon juice brings that signature Greek zing, while the zest amps up the citrusy aroma.
• Honey: Just a touch balances out the tanginess and rounds out the flavors in both marinade and dressing.
• Garlic Clove: One little clove, freshly minced, provides a necessary savory depth.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that give the chicken its unmistakable Greek character.
• Kosher Salt & Pepper: Don’t hold back—season your bowls boldly!
• Quinoa: Fluffy, protein-packed, and quick-cooking, it’s the perfect base for a healthy bowl.
• Chicken Breasts: Grill them up for lean protein, or sub in thighs for added juiciness.
• English Cucumber: Diced for crunch and ultra-refreshing bites.
• Roma Tomatoes: Their fleshiness makes bowls juicy without turning them soggy.
• Red Onion: Adds vivid color and just the right amount of bite when diced.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for creaminess and that tangy-salty punch.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, these little gems are a must in a Greek Chicken Bowl.

Variations

One of the best things about a Greek Chicken Bowl is how delightfully flexible it is. Switch up proteins, grains, or veggies for an endless number of tasty combinations that suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Try Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you love a juicier, richer flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even grilled zucchini are all fantastic bowl toppers.
• Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on veggies and crumbled feta—or toss in some chickpeas!
• Switch the Grain: Make it with brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option—just as satisfying and equally tasty.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Leave out the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free bowl.

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water, then add it to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy. Once it’s done, spread it out on a plate or tray so it cools a bit faster—no one wants a soggy bowl!

Step 2: Make the Marinade & Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, combine your olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good whisk or shake until everything’s well blended and emulsified—this will make both your chicken marinade and your bright, herby dressing.

Step 3: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

Pour about one third of that luscious marinade over your chicken breasts and turn to coat (set the rest aside—this will be your final drizzle!). Pop the chicken on a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through. For juicy, never-dry chicken, aim for an internal temp of 165°F.

Step 4: Prep Your Bowl Ingredients

While the chicken grills, chop up your cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Crumble the feta and set out the kalamata olives. If you want things extra colorful, prep everything in cute little bowls so you can ‘build your own’ when it’s time to serve!

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Divide that fluffy quinoa into four bowls, then pile on the grilled chicken (sliced if you like), fresh veggies, feta cheese, and olives. Finish each Greek Chicken Bowl with a generous drizzle of your reserved dressing—don’t skip it, it brings everything to life!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a final shower of extra feta, a pinch of fresh oregano or parsley, and an extra drizzle of that lemony dressing just before serving. For a bit of crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a few slivers of red onion really elevate the vibe of your Greek Chicken Bowl.

Side Dishes

These bowls are filling on their own, but they’re also dreamy with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce for dipping, or a super simple Greek salad. If you want to make it a real feast, add a platter of dolmas or even some crispy oven fries sprinkled with oregano!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the ingredients buffet style so everyone can build their own Greek Chicken Bowl. Or, layer everything in a wide shallow platter as a colorful centerpiece salad, garnished with edible flowers or lemon wedges for dramatic flair. You can even pack these bowls into mason jars for picnic-perfect, portable lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Greek Chicken Bowl ingredients keep beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, so everything stays as crisp and fresh as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken separately for up to two months—just slice or cube it first for easy reheating. The quinoa base also freezes well, but avoid freezing the fresh veggies or feta, as they’ll lose their lovely texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and quinoa gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then rebuild your Greek Chicken Bowl with fresh veggies and a drizzle of chilled dressing. It’s quick, satisfying, and totally stress-free!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a Greek Chicken Bowl—hearty, colorful, and absolutely zinging with sunny flavor. If you try this recipe, I just know you’ll fall as hard as I have for its simple, wholesome goodness. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to make it your own!

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