Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with these Greek Chicken Bowls, a delightful journey through Greece’s culinary landscape. Layers of marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy tzatziki create a perfect harmony you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Vegetables:
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Grains and Seasonings:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Dairy and Extras:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor depth, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the meat for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat around 400°F, preparing to cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring thorough cooking and achieving a slightly charred exterior that locks in juices.
- While chicken cooks, prepare fresh vegetable medley by combining diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
- Fluff cooked rice and season with fresh parsley, creating a light and aromatic base for the bowl.
- After chicken rests for 5 minutes, slice into thin strips against the grain to maintain tenderness and maximize juiciness.
- Assemble bowls by layering rice as the foundation, then arranging sliced chicken and vegetable mixture strategically.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the bowl to add brightness and enhance overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously across the top for a creamy, tangy element.
- Dollop tzatziki sauce in the center, allowing it to blend with other ingredients.
- Garnish with kalamata olives and fresh dill, providing a final burst of authentic Greek culinary character.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and vibrant, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Maximize chicken flavor by extending marination time to 2-4 hours in refrigerator for deeper seasoning penetration.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts, delivering richer taste and more tender texture.
- Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining Mediterranean essence.
- Create vegetarian adaptation by substituting chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu, preserving authentic Greek bowl structure and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg