Greek Chicken Bowls
Greek Chicken Bowls are a delightful culinary adventure that combines vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients into a single meal. Picture a colorful bowl brimming with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy feta, all topped with a refreshing dollop of tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a sunny weekend lunch, or a gathering with friends. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the Mediterranean!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are plenty of reasons to whip up Greek Chicken Bowls. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile and easy to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a hectic weeknight but fancy enough for a weekend dinner with family or friends. Moreover, it’s budget-friendly, incorporating affordable ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
"I’ve made this dish several times and each time, it gets rave reviews from my family! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s healthy and satisfying."
How this recipe comes together
Making Greek Chicken Bowls is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll begin by mixing your main ingredients, then whisk together a simple dressing to tie everything together, and finally, whip up a creamy tzatziki sauce while letting the flavors meld. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal that both kids and adults will love.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a delightful dining experience:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled or rotisserie for convenience)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced (consider a Persian cucumber for less seeds)
- 1 red onion, diced (or use green onions for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Dill to taste
Directions to follow
- Start by combining the cooked quinoa or rice, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, then pour this dressing over the chicken bowl mixture. Toss everything to combine well.
- For the tzatziki sauce, mix all the tzatziki ingredients in another bowl until fully blended.
- Serve the Greek Chicken Bowls with a generous dollop of tzatziki on top. Enjoy your healthy meal!
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Greek Chicken Bowls, there are numerous ways to make them visually appealing. Try layering the ingredients neatly for a lovely display, or serve them buffet-style for a casual meal where everyone can customize their bowls. Perfect pairings include a side of pita bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple Greek salad to round out the meal.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Greek Chicken Bowls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan on enjoying the dish later, consider freezing components separately—such as the chicken and quinoa—so they maintain their texture. Always ensure food safety by refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking, and reheat until steaming hot before consuming.
Helpful cooking tips
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the bowl.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well; excess water can make the tzatziki too runny.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to get creative with these bowls! Consider swapping out the quinoa for couscous or bulgur for a different texture. You can also achieve a Mediterranean flair by adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or switching out the feta for goat cheese. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled eggplant.
Common questions
How long does it take to make Greek Chicken Bowls?
- From prep to plate, you’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare this delicious meal.
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
- Absolutely! Brown rice is a great substitute and will provide a nice nutty flavor.
What’s the best way to store tzatziki sauce?
- Tzatziki can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the cooked quinoa or rice, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, then pour this dressing over the chicken bowl mixture. Toss everything to combine well.
- For the tzatziki sauce, mix all the tzatziki ingredients in another bowl until fully blended.
- Serve the Greek Chicken Bowls with a generous dollop of tzatziki on top.
