Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe

Creating the perfect Greek chicken bowl is all about having the right ingredients on hand. No need to run around town looking for exotic items—everything you need is likely already in your pantry or at your local grocery store. Here’s a list of the essentials:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Boneless and Skinless): Chicken breast works best for a leaner option, while thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite.
• Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil provides healthy fats and a rich, smooth texture to the marinade.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It gives the chicken that unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice: The tanginess of lemon juice brightens up the entire dish and complements the savory chicken perfectly.
• Dried Oregano: This herb is synonymous with Greek cuisine. It adds an earthy, aromatic kick that infuses the chicken with flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.

For the Bowl:

• Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumber adds a cool contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes bring color and a burst of freshness.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a slight bite and complements the creamy tzatziki.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled or in chunks, feta provides a salty, tangy element that’s crucial for any Greek dish.
• Olives: Kalamata olives are the go-to choice for their deep, briny flavor that ties everything together.
• Rice or Quinoa: A base that absorbs all the flavors. You can also use couscous if you prefer.
• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based sauce is the cherry on top, cooling down the spiciness and adding a refreshing touch.

Marinating the Chicken

So, how do you make sure your chicken is bursting with flavor? It’s all in the marinade! Marinating the chicken is crucial for making it tender and infusing it with those bold Mediterranean flavors. The lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano work together to create a mouthwatering combination that makes every bite a taste sensation.

Start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix it all up, then add your chicken, making sure it’s fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even up to a few hours if you want a deeper flavor). This step is key to making your chicken juicy and flavorful.

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients. This way, you’ll have everything ready to go when it’s time to cook.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook! You have a few options here: grilling, pan-searing, or baking. Each method gives a slightly different texture, but all of them bring out the delicious flavors of the chicken.

Grilling:

If you have a grill, this is the perfect opportunity to cook your chicken outside and get those beautiful grill marks. Heat the grill to medium-high and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.

Pan-Seared:

For a quicker option, you can pan-sear the chicken on the stove. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Baking:

If you prefer a hands-off approach, baking works wonders too. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This resting period ensures that the juices stay locked in, making your chicken tender and flavorful.

Preparing the Bowl

Now comes the fun part—assembling your Greek chicken bowl! This is where you can get creative and personalize the dish to your liking. The beauty of this bowl is that you can add or omit ingredients based on what you have available.

Rice or Quinoa Base

Start by choosing your base. Rice is a classic option, and it pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. If you’re looking for something with a bit more protein and texture, quinoa is a fantastic choice. You can even go with couscous for a lighter option.

Fresh Veggies

Layer your bowl with crisp, fresh veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. They add crunch and freshness that balances out the richness of the chicken and tzatziki. You can even toss them with a little olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for an added burst of flavor.

Olives and Feta

What’s a Greek bowl without feta and olives? Crumble some feta cheese on top for a salty, creamy bite, and add a few Kalamata olives for a briny punch that ties everything together.

Tzatziki Sauce

The final touch is the tzatziki sauce. This creamy, cool sauce is made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill—perfect for cutting through the richness of the chicken and adding a refreshing element to every bite. You can drizzle it on top or serve it on the side for dipping.