Save A vibrant and wholesome bowl featuring juicy Greek-seasoned chicken, fragrant herbed rice, a crisp tomato-cucumber salad, briny olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce — all the flavors of Greece in one satisfying meal. This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together the zest of lemon, the earthiness of oregano, and the coolness of cucumber for a balanced and nutritious lunch or dinner.
Save The combination of warm herbed rice and cold, crisp vegetables creates a delightful contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or serving a fresh family dinner, this Greek Chicken Bowl is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Rinsing the rice is a crucial step to remove excess starch, ensuring that the grains remain fluffy and separate. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for the full two hours if time permits, and always let the meat rest after cooking to lock in the juices.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version. For extra richness, you can also sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the assembled bowls.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls with warm pita bread on the side to scoop up the fresh salad and tzatziki. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc.
Save With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this Greek Chicken Bowl is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It is a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your home.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice works well but requires about 45 minutes to cook and additional water. Adjust cooking time accordingly and expect a nuttier flavor profile that complements the Greek seasonings.
- → How long does the chicken need to marinate?
Marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, but up to 2 hours in the refrigerator yields more tender and flavorful results. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours as the lemon may break down the meat texture.
- → What can I substitute for tzatziki?
Greek yogurt mixed with minced cucumber, garlic, and dill makes an easy homemade version. For dairy-free options, try hummus or a dairy-free tzatziki made with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- → Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The tomato-cucumber salad and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well.
- → Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Outdoor grilling works beautifully and adds smoky flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest the meat before slicing to retain juices.
- → What vegetables can I add to the salad?
Bell peppers, red onion, radishes, or arugula make excellent additions. For more variety, consider adding grilled zucchini, roasted eggplant, or marinated artichoke hearts to boost the Mediterranean flavors.