Name: Greek Chicken Bowl: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Dressing/Marinade:; ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil); 2 lemons, juiced; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ tablespoon lemon zest; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Kosher salt, to taste; Kosher pepper, to taste; Quinoa Bowls:; 1 ½ cups quinoa, uncooked; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 English cucumber, diced; 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped; 1 medium red onion, diced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal. The combination of grilled chicken with a fresh, tangy lemon dressing, quinoa, and Mediterranean ingredients creates a balanced and satisfying bowl. With its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is an easy way to bring the tastes of Greece into your kitchen. It’s also customizable – feel free to skip the chicken for a vegetarian version or switch up the veggies.

Ingredients

Dressing/Marinade:

¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
2 lemons, juiced
1 tablespoon honey
½ tablespoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt, to taste
Kosher pepper, to taste

Quinoa Bowls:

1 ½ cups quinoa, uncooked
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 English cucumber, diced
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 medium red onion, diced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Greek Chicken Bowl: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight

Directions

Cook the Quinoa: Add the quinoa to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Place over medium heat, bring to a simmer, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the quinoa is tender. If needed, drain any excess water and set the quinoa aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing/Marinade: In a small jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously to emulsify and combine well.
Marinate the Chicken: Pour about ⅓ of the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated. Set aside the remaining marinade to use as a dressing later (ensure it doesn’t touch raw meat).
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the Bowls: Once the quinoa has cooled, divide it evenly into 4 serving bowls. Top with the grilled chicken, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and diced red onion.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the bowls with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and load up on more veggies, like roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or a few extra olives.
Other Proteins: If you don’t want chicken, feel free to substitute with grilled boneless chicken thighs, lamb, or even a plant-based protein.
Dressings: For a tangier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: If you prefer to reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop and serve with the chilled quinoa and veggies for a fresh contrast.

FAQs

Can I use quinoa in place of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great substitute for rice. It’s a gluten-free whole grain that’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthier option.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can prepare the quinoa, chicken, and veggies in advance. Just store the components separately and assemble the bowls when ready to eat.

Can I use a different oil for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other neutral oils like grapeseed or sunflower oil.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and load up on extra vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or artichokes for added texture and flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

While quinoa and chicken can be frozen, the fresh vegetables (like cucumber and tomatoes) may lose their texture. If freezing, store the chicken and quinoa separately and add fresh veggies when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make the chicken juicier?

To keep the chicken moist, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect juiciness.

Can I use feta cheese crumbles instead of block feta?

Yes, crumbled feta works just as well in this recipe as block feta. You can also try other cheeses like goat cheese for a different flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to the bowls?

Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, olives, or spinach, to suit your preferences.

How can I add more flavor to the quinoa?

You can cook the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Additionally, adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of herbs while cooking can elevate the taste.

Can I serve this with pita bread or hummus?

Yes, serving this Greek Chicken Bowl with warm pita bread or a side of hummus would complement the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

This Greek Chicken Bowl is a fresh, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With vibrant veggies, flavorful grilled chicken, and the creamy richness of feta, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. Quick, simple, and packed with nutrients, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for anyone looking for a balanced meal with fantastic flavors.