Greek Chicken Bowls

You know those dishes that just hug you from the inside? Well, let me take you on a little journey with my beloved Greek Chicken Bowls. Picture this: a vibrant medley of flavors and colors, where the juicy chicken meets nutty quinoa and the freshest veggies, all topped with a creamy tzatziki that dances on your taste buds. This recipe has become a fixture in my kitchen, and trust me, it is so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on takeout.

The secret? It pulls together the essence of Mediterranean cuisine while being incredibly versatile. I’ve enjoyed these bowls on hectic weeknights and leisurely weekend lunches; they always manage to impress. And the best part? You can serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics. So, let’s dive into this captivating creation that brings healthy eating to the forefront without sacrificing flavor!

Reasons to try it

So, why should you treat yourself to these Greek Chicken Bowls? First, let’s talk about flavor. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the vegetables combined with the tender chicken, creating a harmony of textures. You’re not just eating—you’re experiencing a carnival of taste! The bright cherry tomatoes and the refreshing cucumber lend a nice pop of color, while the olives add a briny depth that will have your palate singing.

But it’s not just about taste; let’s be real—the health benefits are just as enticing. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a plethora of vitamins, this dish makes enjoying healthy eating utterly guilt-free. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you stick with quinoa or rice! It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling light and energized—not heavy and sluggish. So, grab your apron and let’s embrace this delicious explosion of Mediterranean goodness!

Key ingredients overview

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and gather these lovely ingredients:

• Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, diced): The star of the show! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even grill some fresh chicken for that smoky flavor.
• Cooked Quinoa or Rice (1 cup): Quinoa offers a nutty, superfood twist while rice provides that comforting texture. Choose whichever you prefer or even a mix!
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, bringing a delightful brightness to the bowl. Feel free to substitute with diced tomatoes if you’re in a pinch.
• Cucumber (1, diced): Crisp and refreshing! If you love a crunch, consider using pickled cucumbers for a tangy kick.
• Red Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds a lovely layer of sweetness. If raw onion isn’t your thing, marinating it in lemon juice for a few minutes can soften the flavor beautifully.
• Bell Pepper (1, diced): Choose any color you fancy—red, yellow, or green. They all pack their vibrant essence in this dish!
• Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, pitted and halved): Earthy and tangy, the olives fit right in. Want to mix it up? Try green olives for a sharper flavor.
• Feta Cheese (crumbled, optional): The finishing touch! If you’re dairy-free, feel free to skip this or try a dairy-free cheese topping instead.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): For that extra pop of freshness—don’t skip this; it ties everything together!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Always to taste—this is your dish after all!
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• Greek Yogurt (1 cup): Thick and creamy, it forms the base of our sauce. Look for full-fat for indulgence, or low-fat for a lighter alternative!
• Cucumber (1, grated and drained): Adds a refreshing crunch to the tzatziki. Drain well so it doesn’t get watery!
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The aromatics that elevate this sauce from ordinary to extraordinary!
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A squeeze of brightness to balance the creamy richness. Fresh is ideal—never bottled if you can help it!
• Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together!

Preparing Greek Chicken Bowls

Let’s get that apron on and make this magic happen! Here’s how:

1. In a large bowl, toss together the diced chicken, cooked quinoa or rice, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, halved olives, and chopped parsley. Just like that, you are building flavor layers!
2. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Go ahead and mix; you want everything to be well-combined—feel free to use your hands, it’s much more fun!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. This tzatziki sauce is the hero of this bowl—you’ll want to slather it on!
4. Serve your chicken mixture in bowls and generously drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired, for that perfect finish. Voilà! You’ve created a culinary masterpiece!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how do you eat these glorious bowls? Start with a mound of your chicken and veggie mix, drape that luscious tzatziki over the top, and for extra fanciness, a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some roasted eggplant or stuffed grape leaves on the side! These bowls pair beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a light fizzy drink to keep things refreshing.

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt), they store well. Pop the chicken bowls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Just keep the tzatziki separate until you’re ready to dive in—nobody likes a soggy bowl! When it comes time to eat, you can enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge or gently reheat in the microwave. Trust me, it’s just as delightful the next day!

Pro chef tips

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano for a few hours or overnight before cooking!
• Feeling adventurous? Try grilling your chicken for a lovely charred flavor—oh, the smoky goodness!
• Don’t stress about exact quantities—use what you have! You can swap in your favorite veggies, and it’s all about personal preference.

Creative Twists

If you’re itching to mix things up, why not try these variations?

• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Switch Protein: Going meatless? Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken for a plant-powered version.
• Grain Swap: Experiment with farro or bulgur for a unique twist on the grain base in your bowl.

Ingredients list

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tzatziki sauce:
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

How to prepare it

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked quinoa or rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt for the tzatziki sauce.
4. Serve the chicken mixture in bowls topped with tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Your questions answered

• Can I use store-bought tzatziki? Absolutely! It can save time, but homemade always hits differently!
• What toppings do you recommend? Extra olive oil drizzle, a sprinkle of sumac, or even some roasted nuts for crunch.
• Is this recipe kid-friendly? Definitely! Kids love the colorful presentation, and you can adjust flavors to your taste.
• How long does it take to prepare? You’re looking at around 20-30 minutes; a perfect quick weeknight meal!
• Can I meal prep these bowls? Yes! They store wonderfully in the fridge and taste great cold or reheated.

Cooking is more than just a task; it’s a celebration of flavors, cultures, and the love we pour into each dish. These Greek Chicken Bowls not only nourish the body but also awaken the wanderlust in your soul, transporting you to a sun-drenched terrace by the sea. I invite you to savor this recipe, add your own flair, and make it an adventure. Happy cooking, my friend!

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Greek Chicken Bowls

Cooking Method: Mixing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Gluten Free High Protein M Make Ahead Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 3 mins Total Time 33 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Summer

Description

Experience a vibrant medley of flavors with Greek Chicken Bowls, featuring juicy chicken, nutty quinoa, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together. Perfect for meal prep or picnics.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (Can use leftover rotisserie chicken.)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (Choose according to preference.)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Substitute with diced tomatoes if needed.)
• 1 cucumber, diced (For a tangy kick, consider pickled cucumbers.)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (Marinate in lemon juice if raw onion is strong for you.)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (Any color is fine.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (Substitute with green olives for a sharper taste.)
• feta cheese, crumbled (optional) (Leave out for dairy-free version.)
• fresh parsley, chopped (Essential for freshness.)
• salt and pepper to taste (Season as you like.)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt for tzatziki sauce (Full-fat or low-fat as desired.)
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained for tzatziki (Drain well to avoid excess water.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Adds depth to the sauce.)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice for tzatziki (Fresh lemon is preferred.)
• salt to taste for tzatziki (Minimal as other ingredients will add flavor.)

Preparation Instructions

Making the Greek Chicken Bowls

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked quinoa or rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and parsley.
   Mix well to build flavor layers.
   Mark as complete
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Combine thoroughly, using your hands if preferred.
   Mark as complete
3. In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt for the tzatziki sauce.
   Stir until smooth.
   Mark as complete
4. Serve the chicken mixture in bowls topped with tzatziki sauce and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
   Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 6g24%

Sugars 5g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 1500 IU

Vitamin C 25 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.15 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 80 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 250 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 70 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Keywords: Greek, Chicken, Bowls, Mediterranean, Healthy, Tzatziki