If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and downright delicious, look no further than this Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe. Packed with tender marinated chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that feels like a Mediterranean escape in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers an effortless way to enjoy wholesome, colorful food that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays its part in creating a sensational bowl: the olive oil brings smooth richness, lemon juice adds brightness, and the medley of vegetables delivers a refreshing crunch and beautiful color.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds depth and a silky texture that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Essential for that zingy freshness and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a warm, aromatic punch that’s unmistakably Greek.
- Dried Oregano: The star herb that brings authentic Mediterranean flair with every bite.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh Vegetables (Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Bell Peppers): Provide vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and nutritional goodness.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy contrast that makes each bowl feel luxuriously layered.
- Cooked Rice or Quinoa: Acts as a hearty, comforting base, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Offers a final touch of freshness and a burst of green that ties everything together.
How to Make Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Start by combining extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until they form a fragrant, well-blended mixture. This marinade is the heart of the dish, infusing the chicken with the bright, herby, garlic undertones that make Greek cooking so beloved.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece gets coated well by massaging the bag or stirring gently. Let the chicken soak up those vibrant flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have the time. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
While the chicken is marinating, cook your rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Either choice will give you a wonderful, fluffy bed that complements the protein and vegetables perfectly. Once cooked, keep it warm and ready for assembly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat, adding a little oil to prevent sticking if needed. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and let any excess drip off before placing them on the heat. Cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The result should be beautifully golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping every bite juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 6: Chop the Fresh Vegetables
While the chicken rests, chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. These veggies bring a satisfying crunch, juicy bursts, and vibrant colors that lift the bowls from good to unforgettable.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
Start by adding a base layer of the warm rice or quinoa. Top it generously with grilled chicken and then scatter the freshly chopped vegetables over the top. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish and finally, scatter chopped fresh parsley to brighten each bowl with a hint of herbal freshness.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe immediately while everything is warm. If you’re meal prepping, you can let the bowls cool before packing them away for later enjoyment. Either way, this dish promises satisfaction in every forkful.
How to Serve Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this dish, adding a lively burst of green and a pop of herbal flavor. You might also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or drizzle a little extra olive oil for added richness and a beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
Simple Greek Chicken Bowls pair perfectly with warm pita bread or crunchy pita chips for an authentic touch. A side of tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy contrast that elevates every bite and rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bowls in rustic ceramic dishes to enhance the Mediterranean vibe or layer ingredients in mason jars for a portable, make-ahead option that’s perfect for busy lunches or picnics. Adding edible flowers like nasturtiums can add a stunning, colorful flair if you’re entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken, rice or quinoa, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents sogginess, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant textures when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken and cooked rice or quinoa, but keep fresh vegetables and feta cheese out of the freezer to maintain their crunch and texture. Freeze the chicken and base in portioned containers for up to 2 months for easy meals anytime.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep things moist. Add fresh vegetables and feta after reheating to preserve their brightness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Just adjust cook time accordingly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer on the grill or skillet.
Is quinoa a good substitute for rice in this recipe?
Yes, quinoa works beautifully here. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and extra protein, making the bowl even more nutritious and delicious.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is perfect for quick flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours without any issues. Just avoid marinating too long to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for protein, and keep all the fresh veggies and feta for that classic Greek flavor experience.
What’s the best way to keep the vegetables fresh when meal prepping?
Store chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers or small bags with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. Add them to the bowls just before eating to maintain their crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe a try. It’s that perfect meal where freshness meets comfort, and making it fills your kitchen with aromas that almost transport you to a sunny Mediterranean afternoon. Easy to prepare, vibrant on the plate, and delicious to eat — it’s a winning formula you’ll want to return to again and again.
Print
Simple Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple Greek Chicken Bowl recipe offers a vibrant and nutritious meal featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice or quinoa, and tangy feta cheese. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, delivering authentic Greek flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Adds richness and depth of flavor)
- 1–2 whole Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for marinating)
- 3–4 cloves Minced Garlic (Infuses rich flavor into the chicken)
- 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano (Essential for authentic Greek flavor)
- Salt and Pepper (To taste)
Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Vegetables (Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Bell Peppers) (Add crunch, color, and nutrition)
- 1 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (Adds creamy texture and tangy flavor)
- 2 cups Cooked Rice or Quinoa (Base for the bowls)
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (For garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Cook Rice or Quinoa: Prepare the rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm for assembly.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or cook the chicken pieces for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces for freshness and crunch.
- Assemble Bowls: In serving bowls, place a portion of cooked rice or quinoa, top with grilled chicken, and add the fresh vegetables.
- Add Feta and Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while warm, or allow to cool for an easy meal prep option.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for juicier results.
- Use quinoa instead of rice to make the bowl gluten-free.
- Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
