Greek Chicken Bowl

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Greek Chicken Bowl. Each component brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table—from the tender, herb-marinated chicken to the aromatic rice infused with oregano and fresh parsley. The colorful tomato-cucumber salad adds refreshing crunch, while the briny Kalamata olives and creamy tzatziki tie everything together in perfect harmony. This balanced bowl delivers all the bright, bold flavors Greece is famous for in one satisfying meal.

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This Greek Chicken Bowl has become my go-to dinner for hosting friends who appreciate good food without the fuss. The components can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company of your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. The bright lemon and herb notes in the chicken pair beautifully with the cooling tzatziki, while the herbed rice soaks up all those delicious flavors. It's a complete meal in one beautiful bowl that always earns rave reviews.

Ingredients

• For the Herbed Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Greek Chicken: 1 1/2 pounds (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Tomato-Cucumber Salad: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup cucumber (diced), 1/4 cup red onion (finely sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved), 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade), lemon wedges for serving, extra chopped parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the herbed rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add water, dried oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

Step 4: Prepare the tomato-cucumber salad

In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

Step 5: Assemble the bowls

Divide herbed rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, tomato-cucumber salad, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the most flavorful chicken, try to marinate it for the full 2 hours if your schedule allows. The acids in the lemon juice help tenderize the meat while the herbs and spices infuse it with classic Greek flavors. If you're short on time, even 15 minutes will make a difference. For the rice, toasting it briefly in olive oil before adding the liquid creates a nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate. The tzatziki sauce can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more delicious sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile bowl can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same Greek spice blend, or try grilled halloumi cheese for a decadent option. Those following a low-carb diet can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens. To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based tzatziki alternative made with coconut yogurt. For a heartier meal, add some crumbled feta cheese on top or include roasted bell peppers and eggplant in your vegetable mix.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these Greek Chicken Bowls as a complete meal on their own, or alongside warm pita bread for scooping up extra tzatziki and salad. For a festive gathering, set up a Greek bowl station where guests can assemble their own bowls with all the components laid out. This interactive serving style works wonderfully for family dinners as well, allowing everyone to customize their portions. A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the bright Mediterranean flavors, or offer a refreshing cucumber-mint infused water for a non-alcoholic option.

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The beauty of this Greek Chicken Bowl lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures—tender herb-infused chicken, fluffy aromatic rice, crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy tzatziki. Each component shines on its own but becomes something truly special when combined. This Mediterranean-inspired meal brings sunshine to your table any time of year, making everyday dining feel like a mini vacation to the Greek isles. Whether prepared for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, these vibrant bowls promise satisfaction in every colorful, nourishing bite.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I make the herbed rice flavorful?

Sauté the rice with olive oil and dried oregano before adding water. After cooking, stir in fresh parsley for brightness.

→ What is the best way to marinate the chicken?

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in this mixture and marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

→ Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?

Yes, grilled shrimp or chickpeas make excellent alternatives for a seafood or vegetarian option.

→ How should the tomato-cucumber salad be prepared?

Toss cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh dill, salt, and pepper gently to combine well without bruising the ingredients.

→ What makes tzatziki sauce complement this dish?

Tzatziki adds a creamy, cool texture and a subtle tang from yogurt and cucumber that balances the spices and richness of the chicken and olives.

→ Are there any suggested serving tips?

Garnish with lemon wedges and extra herbs like parsley or dill to enhance freshness and presentation before serving.