Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls: A Weeknight Dinner Savior

This low carb greek chicken bowls recipe quickly became a family staple. Even my picky eaters (you know the type!) love it because they can customize their bowls with their favorite toppings. It’s like a build-your-own-dinner night, but with a healthy, Mediterranean twist. And honestly? It’s so easy to throw together. There was one time I was trying a new marinade for the chicken, and completely spaced out and over-marinated it. The chicken was a bit too tangy, but the feta and creamy tzatziki balanced it out perfectly. It was a happy accident that taught me that even when things go a little sideways in the kitchen, there’s always a way to make it work.

These low carb greek chicken bowls fit perfectly into my busy life because I can prep a lot of the ingredients ahead of time. I often make the chicken and tzatziki sauce on Sunday, so all I have to do during the week is chop some veggies and assemble the bowls. Talk about a lifesaver! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies I have hanging out in the fridge. We’ve even turned it into a greek chicken salad bowl for lunch!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s totally adaptable to your own preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re strictly keto, just trying to eat healthier, or simply looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, these bowls are a winner. You can easily swap out ingredients to make it a keto greek chicken bowl, or add extra veggies to make it even more nutritious. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it reached absolute perfection.

Trust me, once you try this low carb greek chicken bowls, you’ll be hooked. It’s a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I can’t wait to share my secrets!

INGREDIENTS

Okay, let’s get down to the ingredients! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, you can adjust this to what you have on hand. But here’s what I always use for my low carb greek chicken bowls:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 2 lemons)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Tzatziki Sauce:
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for extra creaminess!)
    • 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Bowl:
    • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cucumber, diced
    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
    • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
    • Optional: Avocado slices for healthy fats!

When making low carb greek chicken bowls, I always use fresh lemon juice because it really brightens up the flavor. You can usually find good quality Greek yogurt at most grocery stores. When it comes to the feta, I prefer the block kind that you crumble yourself – it just tastes fresher to me.

Here’s a low carb greek chicken bowls trick I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken overnight! It makes it so much more flavorful and tender. She always said, “A little patience makes a big difference!” When I don’t have much time, even a 30-minute marinade helps.

If you’re looking for a cost-saving tip for low carb greek chicken bowls ingredients, buy the larger container of Greek yogurt. You can use it for the tzatziki sauce, but also for breakfast or as a healthy snack. And, you know, you can always substitute frozen veggies if you don’t have any fresh produce. Frozen spinach or bell peppers can be a great addition and can be stored for a long time!

To store leftover low carb greek chicken bowls ingredients, I keep the chicken and veggies separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The tzatziki sauce also needs to be refrigerated. That way, everything stays fresh and crisp until you’re ready to assemble your next bowl.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

Alright, let’s get cooking! This easy greek chicken bowl recipe is surprisingly simple, so don’t be intimidated. I promise, you’ve got this!

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. I learned the hard way with low carb greek chicken bowls that marinating the chicken for too long can make it a little too acidic, so don’t go past 24 hours. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade. The slight tanginess will complement the other flavors beautifully.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use. This really makes the difference between a good bowl and a great healthy greek chicken bowl. If you want a smoother tzatziki, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber using a cheesecloth or paper towel before adding it to the yogurt mixture. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. This is crucial for getting that nice, flavorful crust on your low carb greek chicken bowls chicken! In my kitchen, low carb greek chicken bowls chicken usually takes about 7 minutes to cook perfectly. To ensure even cooking, flip the chicken pieces halfway through. If you’re using a cast-iron skillet, you’ll get an even better sear!
  4. Prep the Veggies: While the chicken is cooking, chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes assembling the grain-free greek chicken bowl so much easier. For a pop of color and added nutrients, consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or even some pickled onions for a tangy twist.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Don’t worry if your low carb greek chicken bowls looks a little messy – that’s part of the charm! Arrange the ingredients artfully for a visually appealing bowl.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy low carb greek chicken bowls! A sprinkle of fresh dill or a lemon wedge adds a nice finishing touch.

While the low carb greek chicken bowls is cooking, I usually chop up the veggies or start cleaning up the kitchen. Gotta multi-task, right? Your low carb greek chicken bowls should smell like a Mediterranean dream: lemony, garlicky, and herbaceous.

A family-tested low carb greek chicken bowls shortcut is to use pre-cut veggies. I know, I know, it’s not as fresh, but it definitely saves time on those super busy weeknights! You can also buy pre-made tzatziki sauce, but honestly, it’s so easy to make from scratch, and it tastes so much better.

SERVING

Serving up these low carb greek chicken bowls is a joy because I know everyone will find something they love! The kids love our low carb greek chicken bowls when I add a little extra feta cheese (they’re obsessed!), and my husband always asks for extra tzatziki.

My go-to side dish to pair with low carb greek chicken bowls is a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds a little extra freshness and complements the flavors of the bowl perfectly. Sometimes I’ll even add some grilled halloumi cheese for an extra salty, savory element. Grilled asparagus or zucchini are also fantastic additions.

This low carb greek chicken bowls is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual weekend lunch, or even a potluck with friends. It’s so versatile, and everyone always raves about how delicious and healthy it is. For a potluck, consider preparing the components separately and allowing guests to assemble their own bowls. This ensures that everything stays fresh and prevents the lettuce from getting soggy.

For presentation, I like to arrange the ingredients in a colorful and appealing way. I’ll start with a base of lettuce, then layer the chicken, veggies, and feta, and finally drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the top. A sprinkle of fresh dill or a lemon wedge adds a nice finishing touch. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.

If you have extra low carb greek chicken bowls, you can store the components separately in the fridge and enjoy them the next day. I often turn the leftovers into a greek chicken salad bowl for lunch by adding some mixed greens and a little extra dressing. It’s just as delicious the second time around! You can also use the leftover chicken and veggies to make a quick and easy wrap or pita pocket.

I’ve tried a few seasonal low carb greek chicken bowls variations. In the summer, I like to add grilled peaches or nectarines for a touch of sweetness. In the fall, I’ll roast some butternut squash and add it to the bowls for a warm, cozy twist. It’s always fun to experiment and see what new flavors you can discover. In the spring, try adding fresh asparagus or artichoke hearts.

My friends always ask for this low carb greek chicken bowls recipe whenever I make it for them. They love how flavorful and satisfying it is, without being heavy or unhealthy. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these low carb greek chicken bowls. I’ve definitely learned a few things the hard way, so I’m happy to share my wisdom!

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option because they’re often more flavorful and stay more moist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and make sure they’re cooked through. You know what I do when my low carb greek chicken bowls chicken thighs are taking longer than expected? I just pop them under the broiler for a minute or two to get them nice and crispy.
  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! The chicken and tzatziki sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just wait to assemble the bowls until you’re ready to serve, so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy. I remember one time I pre-assembled the low carb greek chicken bowls and the lettuce was a disaster the next day!
  • Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten. My blog readers often ask me about gluten-free options, so I always try to make sure my recipes are inclusive.
  • Can I add other vegetables to the bowl? Of course! Feel free to add any low-carb veggies you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. The more veggies, the better! My family loves when I add roasted red peppers to our low carb greek chicken bowls.
  • What can I use instead of feta cheese? If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative. My dinner guests often have different dietary needs, so I always try to be accommodating.
  • How can I make this recipe spicier? If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a drizzle of sriracha to the tzatziki sauce. I accidentally added too much red pepper once, and it was a bit too much for the kids! A dash of cayenne pepper can also do the trick.
  • Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet? Yes, grilling the chicken is a great option, especially in the summer. It adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish. Just make sure to brush the grill with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. You know what I do when my low carb greek chicken bowls chicken starts to stick to the grill? I just patiently wait for it to release naturally, and it always does!

My Final Thoughts

This low carb greek chicken bowls recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a meal that I can always count on. It’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make, which is exactly what I need in my busy life. Plus, it’s a dish that my whole family enjoys, and that’s always a win!

Check out my other greek chicken recipes here – Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe, Greek Salad with Meat.

Here are a few of my low carb greek chicken bowls Pro Tips:

  • Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the chicken is key to getting that delicious, tangy flavor.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning of the tzatziki sauce and the chicken to your liking.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add any low-carb veggies or toppings you enjoy.

I’ve tried a few different low carb greek chicken bowls variations over the years. One of my favorites is adding grilled halloumi cheese for an extra salty and savory element. Another variation is using cauliflower rice instead of lettuce as the base for the bowls. It adds a nice texture and makes the dish even more filling. And for a truly decadent treat, I sometimes add a dollop of whipped feta to the top of the bowls. It’s so creamy and delicious!

My husband loves the version with grilled halloumi cheese, while the kids prefer the classic version with lots of feta. I personally love the cauliflower rice version because it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

I really hope you try this low carb greek chicken bowls recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find the perfect combination for you and your family. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so relax, have fun, and trust your instincts! You can also reference this article for more keto details “The Ketogenic Diet: A Detailed Beginner’s Guide to Keto

I truly hope you have a wonderful experience making these low carb greek chicken bowls. I’m sure you’ll love them as much as my family does! And if you are looking for a heart healthy meal, check out information about the Mediterranean Diet here “Mediterranean Diet: A Heart-Healthy Eating Plan

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Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls: A Weeknight Dinner Savior

These Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick and healthy meal! Loaded with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, you won’t even miss the carbs.

  • Author: Zoubida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
  4. Divide the vegetable mixture among bowls. Top with the cooked chicken and feta cheese.
  5. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken. You can also grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. Store leftover chicken and vegetables separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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