Prepare to fall in love with this Greek Chicken Bowl, the kind of vibrant, colorful meal that’s as much a treat for your eyes as it is for your taste buds. Juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, creamy feta, briny olives, and a swirl of herby tzatziki all come together over a base of fluffy rice for a weeknight dinner that feels downright celebratory. Whether you’re craving something healthy, quick, or just packed with feel-good flavors, this recipe checks every box and then some.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Greek Chicken Bowl is how every ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing freshness, zing, color, and plenty of flavor. Nothing fancy, just the kind of staple ingredients you’ll love having on hand for an everyday Mediterranean feast.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all that tangy marinade flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- Lemon juice: Brings a sunny brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Red wine vinegar: Gives the marinade its signature Greek punch and complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses each bite with bold, savory aroma and taste.
- Dried oregano: Delivers the classic herbal note found in many Greek dishes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Cooked white or brown rice: A hearty, neutral base that welcomes those bright toppings and juicy chicken.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Add pops of color and sweet, juicy bites throughout the bowl.
- Cucumber (diced): Offers cool crunch and freshness, balancing the richer ingredients.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Gives a punchy bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Kalamata olives (pitted and halved): Bring savory depth and that classic briny flavor.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, and creamy, this cheese truly ties the bowl together.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A lovely finishing touch for color, aroma, and freshness.
- Optional tzatziki sauce: Not required, but it adds a deliciously herby, creamy drizzle that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Once the marinade is well-mixed and fragrant, add the chicken breasts. Toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and let the chicken bathe in those Greek flavors for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. If you have more time to spare, letting it marinate longer only deepens the flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up your grill or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lay the marinated chicken on and cook for 5–7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s perfect when the chicken is golden, slightly charred in spots, and cooked through but still juicy inside. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing, so the juices stay where they belong—inside every tender bite!
Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Rice
While the chicken is cooking (or resting), prepare all your vibrant toppings. Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice that red onion, halve the olives, and chop the parsley. Have your choice of white or brown rice cooked and ready to serve as the hearty base of your Greek Chicken Bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part! Divide the rice between two bowls, giving each one a fluffy bed for those delicious toppings. Artfully arrange the cooked and sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives on top. Sprinkle everything with crumbled feta and a dusting of fresh parsley. For a truly restaurant-worthy finish, add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and dig in!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
Nothing says “inviting” like a handful of fresh parsley, an extra crumble of feta, or a wedge of lemon on the side. These simple touches not only brighten the Greek Chicken Bowl but also let everyone customize each bite to their liking.
Side Dishes
While these bowls can stand solo, you can pair them with warm pita bread, a classic Greek salad, or even roasted vegetables. If you want to stick to lighter fare, try a crisp green salad or a side of hummus for dipping—each one pairs seamlessly with the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
The Greek Chicken Bowl doesn’t have to be, well, just a bowl! Pile the ingredients inside pita pockets for an on-the-go version, or layer everything in a mason jar (rice on the bottom, veggies next, chicken on top) for meal-prepped lunches that wow. Mini bowls or platters work great for parties, letting everyone build their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Greek Chicken Bowl ingredients, store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken, rice, and toppings all keep their freshness for up to three days, making for super speedy meal assembly round two.
Freezing
For best results, only freeze the cooked chicken and rice. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags and they’ll stay good for up to two months. Skip freezing the fresh veggies and feta, as their texture can become mushy when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep things moist. Fresh toppings and feta are best added right before serving to maintain their color and crispness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as flavorful and remain wonderfully juicy. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take an extra minute or two per side.
How do I make a low-carb Greek Chicken Bowl?
Swap out the white or brown rice for fluffy cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb version that’s still full of flavor and texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Just store the components separately and assemble the Greek Chicken Bowl when you’re ready to eat. It holds up beautifully for quick lunches or dinner throughout the week.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries—a stovetop skillet or grill pan works perfectly. You’ll still get those golden edges and deliciously juicy chicken without firing up the backyard grill.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Of course! Simply skip the feta cheese and use a dairy-free version of tzatziki or omit it altogether. You’ll still have a bowl bursting with flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about building your own Greek Chicken Bowl from scratch—each bite is different, colorful, and full of Mediterranean sunshine. Give it a try, play with your favorite toppings, and make it your own. I promise this will become one of your most-loved recipes, perfect for easy dinners or healthy lunches all year round!
PrintGreek Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Greek Chicken Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal featuring marinated grilled chicken served over rice with fresh vegetables and feta cheese. Topped with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, it’s a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 bowls 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: tzatziki sauce for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer rice as the base. Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and chicken on top. Sprinkle with feta and parsley. Add tzatziki sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice.
- Prep all toppings in advance for quick weekday meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg