Name: Greek Chicken Bowls: 10 Reasons to Love This Healthy Meal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds fresh chicken breast (sliced in half to make thinner); 3 tbsp lemon juice (juice of one lemon); 1 tbsp white wine vinegar; 2 tbsp oregano; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp thyme; 1 tsp kosher salt (*use half if not using Kosher Salt); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp olive oil (for cooking); 2 cups chopped cucumber (english cucumber or baby cucumbers); 4 roma tomatoes (flesh removed, chopped); 23 kalamata olives (sliced in half, black olives will work too); 1/4 small red onion (diced small); 1/2 cup crumbed feta cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 tsp oregano, dried; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp dill weed, dried; 1 tsp Kosher salt (*salt to taste if not using kosher salt); Pepper (to taste); 2 cups white rice, cooked (salted & peppered to taste)

Greek Chicken Bowls are a flavorful and healthy meal featuring marinated and pan-seared chicken breast served over fluffy white rice and topped with a refreshing Greek cucumber salad and crumbly feta. The combination of bright lemon, aromatic oregano, and garlic makes this meal not only delicious but also satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe serves four and can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowls

This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy Greek Chicken Meal. Here are just a few reasons to make it:

It’s a high-protein Greek Chicken Bowl that keeps you full.
Preparation is quick, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish.
You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile meal.
The combination of flavors makes it a flavorful Greek Chicken Bowl that everyone will love.
It’s a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
Perfect for those seeking Mediterranean Chicken Bowls that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Bowls

Gather these items:

1-1/2 pounds fresh chicken breast (sliced in half to make thinner)
3 tbsp lemon juice (juice of one lemon)
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 tbsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp kosher salt (*use half if not using Kosher Salt)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil (for cooking)
2 cups chopped cucumber (English cucumber or baby cucumbers)
4 roma tomatoes (flesh removed, chopped)
23 kalamata olives (sliced in half; black olives will work too)
1/4 small red onion (diced small)
1/2 cup crumbed feta cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp oregano, dried
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dill weed, dried
1 tsp kosher salt (*salt to taste if not using kosher salt)
Pepper (to taste)
2 cups white rice, cooked (salted & peppered to taste)

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large ziplock bag, combine the raw chicken breasts with lemon juice, white wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken to evenly coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 2: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Pat the chicken lightly with paper towels. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and let rest for 8-10 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine chopped cucumber, diced roma tomatoes, halved kalamata olives, diced red onion, and feta cheese. Add olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, dill weed, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors.
Step 4: For immediate serving, place 1/2 cup cooked white rice in each bowl. Top with 3/4 cup of the cucumber salad and approximately 4 ounces of sliced chicken. Optionally, garnish with extra feta cheese. If preparing for later, portion rice and chicken together and keep the cucumber salad separate to maintain freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Bowls

Keep these in mind:

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Use fresh ingredients for the salad to enhance taste.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.
For a Greek Chicken Rice Bowl, feel free to swap white rice for quinoa for added nutrition.

Greek Chicken Bowls: 10 Reasons to Love This Healthy Meal - Greek Chicken Bowls - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your Greek Chicken Bowls:

Add a drizzle of Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki for an extra cooling effect.
Top with extra feta for a more Greek Chicken Bowl with Feta flavor.
Incorporate grilled veggies for a more vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Bowls experience.

How to Store and Reheat Greek Chicken Bowls

For meal prep, portion rice and chicken together and keep the cucumber salad separate to maintain freshness. To reheat, microwave the chicken and rice until warm, then top with the fresh salad just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Bowls

What’s the secret to perfect Greek Chicken Bowls?

The secret lies in the marinade! Ensure you give the chicken enough time to soak in the flavors, ideally marinating overnight. This enhances the dish’s overall taste.

Can I make Greek Chicken Bowls ahead of time?

Yes! These bowls are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and cucumber salad in advance, storing them separately until you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek Chicken Bowls?

Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F. Also, always keep the salad fresh and separate until serving.

Variations of Greek Chicken Bowls You Can Try

Here are a few variations to keep things interesting:

Swap chicken for grilled shrimp to make a Grilled Greek Chicken Bowl.
Create a vegetarian option using chickpeas for a Greek Chicken and Quinoa Bowl.
Add roasted red peppers and artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.

For more meal prep ideas, check out this guide. You can also learn about healthy eating tips and explore Mediterranean recipes to enhance your culinary experience.