Easy Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe: A Mediterranean Summer Favorite

When I think of summer, I think of my grandmother’s garden—lush vines, buzzing bees, and sun-ripened tomatoes. Although we’re Italian, our Mediterranean table was often filled with flavors that danced across the Aegean Sea to Greece. This Easy Greek Chicken Bowl captures all those bright, sunlit flavors—grilled, herby chicken; creamy tzatziki; crisp vegetables; and a bed of grains that soak up every last drop of lemony goodness.

This dish is a summer staple, but let’s be honest—it’s too good to limit to just one season. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or pulling together a quick, nourishing dinner, this recipe is a vibrant, customizable go-to.

 Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowl

  • Full of Flavor: The lemon-garlic-oregano marinade makes the chicken deeply flavorful with very little effort.

  • Nutritious and Balanced: You’ve got lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and fiber—all in one bowl.

  • Quick and Versatile: Marinate in the morning, grill at dinner. Sub ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.

  • Great for Meal Prep: Prepare each element ahead and mix-and-match for 2–3 days of healthy lunches.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Bowl Base:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) or quinoa

  • Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or arugula for layering

Toppings:

  • 1 cup diced cucumber

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Tzatziki:

  • ½ cup thick Greek yogurt

  • ½ cucumber, peeled, grated, and squeezed dry

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best for deep flavor).

2. Prepare the Tzatziki

Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl until well blended. Adjust lemon, garlic, and herbs to your preference. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.

3. Cook the Chicken

Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Assemble Your Bowl

Scoop grains into bowls. Layer on spinach (if using), grilled chicken slices, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle tzatziki on top and garnish with herbs.

 Tips for Success

  • Extra Creamy Tzatziki: Use full-fat Greek yogurt and let it sit for at least an hour in the fridge.

  • No Grill? Use a grill pan or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

  • Prep Tip: Marinate extra chicken and freeze in bags for future meals.

 Ingredient Swaps & Variations

  • Grain Swap: Try farro, couscous, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.

  • Protein Twist: Sub with lamb, shrimp, or falafel for variety.

  • Add a Kick: Mix harissa or chili flakes into the marinade.

 Storage & Meal Prep

  • Storage: Keep chicken, grains, toppings, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.

  • Reheat: Warm grains and chicken; add cold toppings and tzatziki just before serving.

  • Grab-and-Go: Assemble in mason jars or portable bowls for lunch.

 Nutritional Benefits

  • Chicken: High in lean protein and B vitamins.

  • Greek Yogurt: Packed with probiotics and calcium.

  • Veggies: Loaded with fiber, hydration, and antioxidants.

  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that support brain health.

Approximate per serving:

  • Calories: 480–520

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbs: 40g

  • Fat: 20g

  • Fiber: 6g

 Make It a Meal

Serve with:

  • Warm pita or flatbread

  • A glass of crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko)

  • Dessert: Honey-sweetened yogurt with berries or figs

 Reader Challenge

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Greek bowls? Add grilled veggies? Use lemon tahini sauce instead of tzatziki? Drop your customizations in the comments, or tag your bowl photos on Instagram with #GreekChickenBowlChallenge!

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