Name: Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes; 2 cups diced or chopped cucumber; 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 1 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup feta cheese; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup grated cucumber; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill

Jump to Recipe·5 from 28 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like a Mediterranean vacation in every bite, these Greek Chicken Bowls are your answer. Each mouthful is bursting with juicy herbed chicken, crunchy veggies, fluffy rice, tangy feta, and a generous scoop of creamy homemade tzatziki that pulls all the flavors together. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or hosting a fresh-and-vibrant family dinner, this dish will win you over with its blend of simplicity, nutrition, and knockout taste. Once you try a bite, I bet you’ll want to put Greek Chicken Bowls into regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Greek Chicken Bowls earns its spot — there are no fillers here! The flavors and textures work together to create a bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delightful to eat. Here’s exactly what you need for every layer, plus a tip on why each one matters.

Chicken breasts: Choose small, boneless skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and tender results.
Olive oil: The heart of the marinade and tzatziki; use good extra-virgin for the best flavor.
Lemon zest and juice: Zest adds brightness, while juice balances and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Honey: Just a touch provides sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
Garlic powder: For rounder flavor than raw garlic in the marinade; quick and easy.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that define the chicken’s aroma and taste.
Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season generously to build a bold, savory base with a hint of heat.
Rice or quinoa: Fluffy grains soak up all the juices—cook in broth for added flavor!
Grape or cherry tomatoes: Their juicy pop brings fresh sweetness to every bowl.
Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and refreshing — essential for crunch!
Romaine lettuce: Provides a fresh, leafy layer that makes the bowls feel hearty yet light.
Sliced red onion: Adds sharpness and color; soak in cold water if you want them milder.
Feta cheese: Tangy, creamy, and absolutely necessary for that Greek flavor profile.
Greek yogurt: Thick and protein-packed; key for a luscious tzatziki.
Grated cucumber (for tzatziki): Helps create that refreshing, cool quality in the sauce.
Minced garlic and fresh dill (for tzatziki): The finishing touches that make the sauce sing.
Optional pitted olives (for bowl): Not required, but they’re a salty, briny pop if you love them!

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and whisking up olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This marinade smells heavenly! It’s citrusy, herby, and the kind you’ll want to use again and again. Whisk, taste, and get ready for some magic.

Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Pound your chicken breasts to an even half-inch thickness for quick cooking. Drop them into a shallow bowl or zip-top bag with the marinade, turning so they’re coated all over. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes (an hour or more is even better), so all those flavors soak right in. That wait will be well worth it.

Step 3: Mix the Tzatziki Sauce

Meanwhile, stir up your homemade tzatziki: thick Greek yogurt, a heap of grated cucumber (don’t skip squeezing out the extra water), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and fresh chopped dill. Mix until creamy and flecked with green, then chill in the fridge so it gets nice and cold — it’s the cool, tangy “secret sauce” that brings it all together.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

When the chicken is finished marinating, you have two excellent options. Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes per side (checking for 165 internal temp), or pan-fry in olive oil or butter over medium/low heat for about 8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice it up — the aroma will have everyone hovering in your kitchen!

Step 5: Prep Grains and Veggies

While the chicken cooks, whip up some rice or quinoa if you haven’t already (cooking the grains with chicken broth, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh herbs is a pro move for max flavor). Dice your cucumbers, halve your cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and shred romaine lettuce. Set everything out assembly-line style.

Step 6: Build Your Bowls

Now the best part: assembling your Greek Chicken Bowls! Lay down a bed of rice or quinoa, followed by the colorful veggies, then pile on slices of that juicy chicken. Dollop tzatziki over the top, sprinkle with feta, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and lemon juice, and scatter over any extra herbs you love. Every bite is a symphony of flavors, ready for you to enjoy!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls

Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your bowls with a flourish! I love a scatter of extra fresh dill or parsley, a bright squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of good olive oil, and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the feta. If you’re a fan, toss on a few pitted olives for a briny kick or a spoonful of lemon tahini dressing for a little something extra.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Bowls are wonderful on their own, but they pair beautifully with warm pita bread, garlicky hummus, or crispy roasted potatoes. For a lighter feel, serve alongside a simple Greek salad or roasted asparagus — anything fresh and vibrant works well as a counterpoint to the hearty, herby chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Try setting out all the toppings family-style and let everyone build their own Greek Chicken Bowls — it’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for picky eaters. For meal prep, use wide, shallow containers to keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat. Or, create mini bowls in small glasses for a gorgeous appetizer spread at a party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, keep the chicken, grains, veggies, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the veggies from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat again, just assemble and enjoy a meal that tastes made-to-order.

Freezing

The cooked chicken freezes beautifully — simply slice and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. For best texture, freeze the grain portion separately. Skip freezing the fresh vegetables and tzatziki, as their texture won’t hold up, but having the chicken and grains prepped ahead makes for lightning-fast bowls later!

Reheating

Reheat chicken and grains gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. Once warmed through, rebuild your bowl and top with fresh veggies and chilled tzatziki for that just-assembled taste. So easy, you’ll find yourself making extras on purpose.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time so they reach 165 Fahrenheit, and you’ll have another delicious version of Greek Chicken Bowls.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the tzatziki?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite plain, dairy-free yogurt and use olive oil mayonnaise if you like. The flavors still shine and you get that signature creamy, tangy topping!

What are some ways to make the bowl lower in carbs?

Try swapping the rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice or just use a big bed of shredded romaine and extra crunchy veggies. Greek Chicken Bowls are flexible and easy to adapt for any diet.

How long can I keep the assembled bowls in the fridge?

If you keep the ingredients separate, everything will stay fresh for about four days. Once the bowls are fully assembled with tzatziki and dressing, enjoy within 24 hours for the best texture.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Grilling is a fantastic choice! Marinated chicken on the grill develops wonderful charred flavor. Just cook over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into these Greek Chicken Bowls — they’re satisfying, fresh, and brimming with character. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or just need a delicious way to shake up your weeknight routine, these bowls are a total win. Grab your ingredients, get whisking, and enjoy every incredibly tasty layer!