These Greek Chicken Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and protein-packed quinoa. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also perfect for family dinners, packed lunch, or meal prep, giving you a healthy, delicious option whenever you need it. Picture this: a warm, cozy night, the aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill, and a colorful spread of fresh ingredients laid out in front of you. Let’s bring the spirit of the Mediterranean to your kitchen!
Greek Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful fusion of flavors with tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and protein-packed quinoa, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Kosher pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups quinoa (uncooked)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 English cucumber (diced)
- 4 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 red onion (medium, diced)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add quinoa and 2 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain if necessary and set aside to cool.
- In a small jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Shake to emulsify.
- Pour about a third of the marinade over the chicken breasts and toss to coat, reserving the rest for later.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat, then add chicken and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Divide cooled quinoa into four bowls, then top with grilled chicken, diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and kalamata olives. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight. Swap in seasonal veggies based on availability, and consider chickpeas or couscous for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowl
Imagine a meal that’s not only vibrant and filling but also simple enough to whip up any night of the week. This Greek Chicken Bowl is a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. With protein from the chicken and quinoa, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s a balanced dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Plus, who can resist the briny goodness of feta and olives?
Ready to Make Your Own Greek Chicken Bowl?
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Kosher pepper (to taste)
- 1 ½ cups quinoa (uncooked)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 English cucumber (diced)
- 4 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 red onion (medium, diced)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
Directions
Start by adding the quinoa to a small saucepan along with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes until the quinoa is tender. Once cooked, drain if necessary and set it aside to cool.
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Shake it up vigorously to emulsify the mixture.
Now, pour about a third of the marinade over the chicken breasts and toss them to coat thoroughly. Keep the rest of the marinade for later.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and grill it for roughly 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
To serve, divide the cooled quinoa into four serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken, diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and diced red onion. Finish off with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives, then drizzle with the remaining dressing.
Serving Your Greek Chicken Bowl with Love
Serve these bowls warm, allowing each family member to add their own additional toppings if desired. You might want to grab a slice of crusty bread to mop up all that deliciousness or even serve it with a side of tzatziki for that extra Mediterranean charm.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with some delicious leftovers, simply store the components (quinoa, chicken, and veggies) in airtight containers in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, just be mindful of not overcooking the chicken to retain its tender texture.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Greek Chicken Bowl
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight before grilling.
- Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers or zucchini make great substitutes.
- If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
Variations to Consider
Want to switch things up? Try adding chickpeas or swapping quinoa for couscous. You can even make it a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies and legumes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or pork, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, this dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the quinoa and chop the veggies a day in advance. Just grill the chicken fresh before serving for the best flavor.
With this Greek Chicken Bowl, you’ll find a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace from the Mediterranean. Enjoy the cooking process, gather your loved ones, and savor every delightful bite together!
