Greek Chicken Bowl
This Greek Chicken Bowl is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any meal. With its wholesome ingredients like quinoa, fresh cucumber, kalamata olives, and grilled chicken breasts, this recipe is a go-to for easy lunches or dinners. It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions, whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet meal at home. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors will transport you straight to the sunny shores of Greece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Greek chicken bowl comes together in just 28 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Nutritious Ingredients: High in protein and fiber, this bowl is a healthy choice that aligns with many dietary plans.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies or add your favorite toppings to make this dish your own.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick grill pan or outdoor grill
- Small saucepan
- Mixing jar or bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick grill pan: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making it easier to grill the chicken perfectly.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa efficiently while preventing it from burning or overcooking.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this delicious Greek chicken bowl:
- 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 medium red onion (diced)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Add the 1 ½ cups quinoa to a small saucepan together with 2 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Place over medium heat and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender. Once done cooking, drain if needed, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
To a small jar, add all dressing/marinade ingredients:
– ¼ cup olive oil
– Juice of 2 lemons
– 1 tablespoon honey
– ½ tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Kosher salt and pepper
Stir vigorously to emulsify.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour about one-third of the marinade over the four chicken breasts. Toss them to completely coat. Reserve the remaining marinade for dressing later.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and grill for about 6–8 minutes per side or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooled quinoa among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken along with prepped veggies: diced cucumber, chopped Roma tomatoes, and diced red onion.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Olives
Sprinkle one cup of crumbled feta cheese into each bowl separately. Add one cup of kalamata olives over each serving, then drizzle with the remaining untouched dressing.
Enjoy your delicious Greek chicken bowl!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl
Serving a Greek chicken bowl is as rewarding as it is simple. This vibrant dish can easily be customized to suit your tastes, making it perfect for any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Fresh Greens
- Add a bed of mixed greens or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients and crunch.
Tzatziki Sauce
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and creamy addition that complements the flavors.
Pita Bread
- Include warm pita bread on the side for a fun way to scoop up the ingredients.
Avocado Slices
- Top with fresh avocado slices for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Microgreens
- Garnish with microgreens for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Lemon Wedges
- Offer lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the bowl for a zesty finish.
How to Perfect Greek Chicken Bowl
Perfecting your Greek chicken bowl involves balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to make your dish truly exceptional.
- Marinate chicken longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose ripe vegetables and quality feta cheese for the best taste and nutrition.
- Cook quinoa properly: Ensure your quinoa is fluffy by rinsing it before cooking and letting it rest after cooking.
- Grill chicken evenly: Make sure your grill is preheated, so the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like roasted red peppers or artichokes to enhance your bowl.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Bowl
Pairing delicious side dishes with your Greek chicken bowl can enhance the overall meal. Here are some great options that complement this Mediterranean dish perfectly.
- Greek Salad – A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives dressed in olive oil.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil, roasted until tender.
- Hummus – Creamy chickpea dip that adds protein and pairs well with pita chips or fresh veggies.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – A light salad made with quinoa, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon dressing that complements the bowl beautifully.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves – Tender grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs provide a flavorful bite alongside your main dish.
- Couscous – Fluffy couscous seasoned with lemon zest and herbs offers a light yet satisfying side option.
- Grilled Asparagus – Simple asparagus spears grilled with olive oil and lemon make a fresh addition to your plate.
- Chickpea Salad – A zesty salad featuring chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta cheese that brings extra protein and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Greek chicken bowl, avoiding common mistakes can enhance the final dish. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Using old quinoa: Quinoa can lose its freshness over time. Make sure your quinoa is within the expiration date for the best texture.
- Skipping marinating time: Marinating the chicken only briefly can lead to bland flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes for more taste.
- Under-seasoning vegetables: Fresh veggies need seasoning too! Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavors.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Monitor the internal temperature closely; it should reach 165F.
- Ignoring presentation: A well-presented bowl is more appetizing. Layer your ingredients neatly for a beautiful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing Greek Chicken Bowl
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy access.
Reheating Greek Chicken Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making a Greek chicken bowl.
What is a Greek Chicken Bowl?
A Greek chicken bowl is a nutritious meal featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Can I customize my Greek Chicken Bowl?
Absolutely! You can change out vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Consider adding chickpeas or swapping chicken for shrimp.
Is this Greek Chicken Bowl recipe healthy?
Yes, this recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and quinoa while providing vitamins from fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice.
How can I make this bowl vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute grilled chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese.
Final Thoughts
The Greek chicken bowl is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy this healthy meal that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors right to your table!
Greek Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Greek Chicken Bowl, a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients that transports you to the sunny shores of Greece. This dish features perfectly grilled chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, served atop a bed of fluffy quinoa and colorful vegetables. With kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese adding a savory touch, this bowl is not only delicious but also nutritious and customizable to suit any palate. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this Greek Chicken Bowl is a wholesome choice that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you energized.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups quinoa
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 medium red onion (diced)
- 1 English cucumber (diced)
- 4 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
Instructions
- Cook quinoa: In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain if necessary and set aside.
- Prepare marinade: In a jar, mix olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate chicken: Coat chicken breasts with one-third of the marinade; reserve the remainder for dressing.
- Grill chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Assemble bowls: Divide quinoa among serving bowls; top with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
- Drizzle remaining marinade over each bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
