Zesty grilled Greek chicken bowls are one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Tender marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy rice with a colorful mix of veggies, creamy hummus, tangy feta, and cool, garlicky tzatziki. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired bowl that brings the taste of summer to my table any time of year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup hummus
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
I start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
I add the chicken breasts to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (sometimes up to 4 hours when I plan ahead).
Then I preheat my grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Then I grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until it’s fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
To assemble the bowls, I layer the rice at the bottom, then arrange the grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta on top.
I finish it with a scoop of hummus and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side adds the perfect touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Variations
Grain Swap: I sometimes use quinoa or cauliflower rice when I want something lighter or gluten-free.
Vegetarian Version: I skip the chicken and double up on the veggies and hummus or add chickpeas for protein.
Add Heat: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dollop of harissa gives the bowl a spicy kick.
Pita Crunch: I like adding toasted pita chips or warm pita wedges on the side for extra texture.
Different Proteins: Grilled shrimp or lamb make great alternatives to chicken for variety.
Storage/Reheating
When I prep this in advance, I store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat: I warm the chicken and rice in the microwave, then add the fresh toppings and sauces just before serving.
For meal prep: I assemble the bowls in advance but leave off the hummus and tzatziki until just before eating to keep everything fresh.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but I get the best flavor when I let it sit for 2–4 hours.
Can I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of grilling?
Absolutely. I use a stovetop skillet when I don’t feel like firing up the grill—just cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
What’s the best rice to use?
I like using white or brown rice, but basmati or jasmine are great options too. Quinoa also works wonderfully for a protein-packed base.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. I skip the feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free alternatives. The hummus still adds great creaminess and flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. I often make all the components ahead of time and quickly assemble bowls during the week. It stays fresh and delicious.
Conclusion
Greek chicken bowls are one of my favorite meals for a reason. They’re fresh, filling, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Whether I’m cooking for my family or prepping lunches for the week, I know this recipe will always hit the spot.
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Greek Chicken Bowls
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Zesty Greek chicken bowls featuring lemony grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, rice, creamy hummus, tangy feta, and garlicky tzatziki. A satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup hummus
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Assemble bowls by layering rice on the bottom and topping with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Add a scoop of hummus and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter or gluten-free option.
Replace chicken with chickpeas or extra veggies for a vegetarian version.
Add red pepper flakes or harissa for heat.
Serve with toasted pita chips or warm pita for added texture.
Store components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
