You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, swap out the chicken for chickpeas if you’re feeling vegetarian, and adjust the spices to your liking. It’s so easy to put together, even on the busiest weeknights. Honestly, it’s been a lifesaver on those days when I’m juggling work, school drop-offs, and after-school activities. Plus, knowing that everyone’s getting a healthy dose of protein, veggies, and good fats makes me feel like supermom.
Trust me, once you try this healthy greek chicken bowl, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s a delicious, nutritious, and customizable meal that the whole family will love. Now, let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS
Alright, let’s gather our supplies to build the perfect healthy greek chicken bowl. This is where you can really personalize it, but here’s what I usually go for:
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always buy organic when I can, but it’s okay if you buy what’s on sale. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil: Extra virgin, of course! It adds so much flavor to the chicken.
- 1 tsp Dried oregano: This is key for that authentic Greek flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course.
- 1 cup Cooked quinoa or brown rice: This is our base. I often use quinoa for a high protein greek chicken bowl.
- 1 cup Chopped cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved: I love the sweetness they bring.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: For that salty, briny goodness.
- 1/2 cup Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a bit of zing!
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled: The salty, creamy, perfect finish.
- 1/4 cup Tzatziki sauce: Homemade is best, but store-bought works too.
- Lemon wedges: For a final burst of freshness.
Here’s a healthy greek bowl ingredients tip I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of salt. It makes the chicken so much more flavorful and tender. Consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard to your marinade for an extra layer of flavor complexity, the mustard helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the other spices.
When making healthy greek chicken bowl, I like to buy the pre-cooked quinoa to save time. You can find it in most grocery stores these days. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Look for quinoa that is pre-rinsed to remove the saponins, which can give it a bitter taste. Rinsing it yourself under cold water works, too.
To save money, I often buy a big block of feta cheese and crumble it myself. It’s much cheaper than buying the pre-crumbled kind. For the chicken, watch out for sales. I stock up when it is at its lowest. Thigh meat is a good option and can often be purchased for less.
Leftover ingredients for your healthy greek chicken bowl can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent the quinoa or rice from drying out, add a small drizzle of olive oil or water before storing.
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this amazing healthy greek chicken bowl. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!
- Prepare the Chicken: First, if you haven’t already, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is coated, giving the healthy greek chicken bowl as much flavor as possible. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time. I sometimes do this while I’m chopping the vegetables – multi-tasking, you know? For a deeper flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of dried mint to the marinade.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. I learned the hard way with healthy greek chicken bowl that overcooking the chicken makes it dry and tough. Trust me, nobody wants that. In my kitchen, healthy greek chicken bowl chicken usually takes about 6 minutes to cook perfectly, but it really depends on the size of your chicken pieces and your stove. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Base: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your base. If you’re using quinoa or rice, make sure it’s cooked according to the package directions. You can do this ahead of time to save even more time. For extra flavor, cook the quinoa or rice in chicken broth instead of water.
- Chop the Veggies: Chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. I like to have all my veggies prepped and ready to go before the chicken is done. If you’re using a mandoline slicer, be careful when slicing the red onion to ensure even thickness.
- Assemble the Bowls: Now for the fun part! Divide the quinoa or rice evenly between bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Don’t worry if your healthy greek chicken bowl looks a little messy – it’s all going to taste amazing!
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for a final burst of freshness. I learned that a generous squeeze of lemon juice really brings all the flavors together. A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a vibrant touch, as well.
- Serve immediately: Now serve your delicious healthy greek chicken bowl.
While the healthy greek chicken bowl is cooking, I often put on some Greek music and pretend I’m on vacation in Santorini. It makes the whole experience even more enjoyable! Your healthy greek chicken bowl should smell like a combination of savory chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon. It’s an aroma that always makes my mouth water. Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley to elevate the aroma.
One of my favorite family-tested healthy greek chicken bowl shortcuts is to buy pre-cut vegetables. It saves so much time, especially during the week! You can also use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
SERVING
Now that your healthy greek chicken bowl is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it.
The kids love our healthy greek chicken bowl when I add a side of pita bread for dipping in the tzatziki sauce. It’s always a hit! It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies, too. Warm the pita bread slightly in a toaster or skillet for a better texture.
My go-to side dishes that pair with healthy greek chicken bowl are a simple Greek salad (more cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta) or some roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. They complement the flavors of the bowl perfectly. A fresh salad is also a good choice, it gives you more veggies and is a light pairing to the dish. Consider adding some grilled halloumi cheese to your Greek salad for extra protein.
This healthy greek chicken bowl is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a picnic. It’s easy to transport and can be served at room temperature. I’ve even made it for lunch meal prep – it stays fresh in the fridge for a few days. Pack the tzatziki sauce separately to prevent the bowl from getting soggy.
For presentation, I like to arrange all the ingredients in a visually appealing way. It makes the bowl look even more appetizing! A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a nice touch, as well. Get creative and make it look pretty! Use different colored vegetables to create a vibrant and appealing bowl.
If you have extra healthy greek chicken bowl, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for lunch the next day! Sometimes, I even add the leftovers to a wrap or pita pocket for a quick and easy meal. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to the leftovers before storing to keep them fresh.
For a seasonal variation, try adding grilled peaches or nectarines in the summer for a sweet and savory twist. In the fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes would be delicious. Top with pomegranate seeds during the winter for a festive touch.
My friends always ask for this healthy greek chicken bowl recipe when I make it for them. They love how flavorful, healthy, and easy it is to make! I always tell them that the secret is in the tzatziki sauce and the fresh lemon juice. Share your own variations and tips with your friends and family to inspire them to create their own versions.
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about our healthy greek chicken bowl. I’ve gotten these questions from friends, family, and even some of my blog readers!
Q: Can I make this healthy greek chicken bowl vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can easily swap the chicken for chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese. Both are delicious and add a good dose of protein. You know what I do when my healthy greek chicken bowl is vegetarian? I add extra feta cheese! Consider adding grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a heartier vegetarian option.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover healthy greek chicken bowl?
A: Store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This will prevent the bowl from getting soggy. The chicken and veggies should last for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce in a separate container to maintain its consistency.
Q: Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
A: Definitely! In fact, I recommend making the tzatziki sauce at least a few hours in advance (or even the day before) to allow the flavors to meld together. It will taste even better! Store the tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Is this healthy greek chicken bowl low carb?
A: It can be! To make it a low carb greek chicken bowl, simply swap the quinoa or rice for cauliflower rice or skip the grain altogether. You can also reduce the amount of feta cheese and use a low carb sweetener, like stevia. Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers to add volume and nutrients without adding carbs.
Q: Can I use different vegetables in my healthy greek chicken bowl?
A: Of course! Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or whatever is in season. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant would all be great additions. You know what I do when my healthy greek chicken bowl needs a little extra crunch? I add some chopped bell peppers. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts and carrots add a different dimension of flavor in the fall and winter.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
A: Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor to the bowl. Just make sure to cook it until it’s cooked through. One time I was too lazy to grill and just used leftover rotisserie chicken, still good! Marinate the chicken before grilling for even more flavor and tenderness.
Q: My kids are picky eaters. How can I get them to eat this healthy greek chicken bowl?
A: Try letting them customize their own bowls. Offer a variety of ingredients and let them choose what they want to include. You can also start with small portions and gradually increase the amount as they get more comfortable with the flavors. One trick that works for my kids is to call it a “build-your-own-adventure bowl.” My family prefers it with the tzatziki on the side, so they can add as much as they want. Cut the vegetables into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make them more appealing to kids.
My Final Thoughts:
This healthy greek chicken bowl isn’t just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of quick, delicious, and healthy meals that I can always rely on. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, I can still put a nutritious and satisfying meal on the table for my family.
Here are some of my healthy greek chicken bowl Pro Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the lemon juice! A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice really brightens up all the flavors.
- Make your own tzatziki sauce. It’s so much better than store-bought and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies. The more, the merrier!
Here are a few variations of the healthy greek chicken bowl that my family loves:
- Spicy Greek Chicken Bowl: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a little kick.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl: Use a combination of quinoa and chickpeas for a boost of protein and fiber.
- Greek Chicken Salad Bowl: Swap the rice or quinoa for a bed of mixed greens.
My son, Liam, loves the spicy version, while my daughter, Lily, prefers the classic healthy greek chicken bowl with extra feta cheese. The beauty of this recipe is that everyone can customize it to their liking!
I hope you’ll try this recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite ingredients, tweak the spices, and create a healthy greek chicken bowl that your family will love. I have hopes that you will have an enjoyable cooking experience. Consider adding a dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! This healthy greek chicken bowl is all about enjoying fresh, flavorful ingredients and nourishing your body. And trust me, once you make it, you’ll be hooked!
5 Delicious Healthy Greek Chicken Bowl Recipes
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these 5 healthy Greek chicken bowl recipes! Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauces, these bowls are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce, store-bought or homemade
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Divide the cooked quinoa among 5 bowls.
- Top each bowl with the cooked chicken, cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade. You can also substitute the quinoa with brown rice or couscous.