Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls bring together vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a wholesome, balanced, and meal-prep–friendly dish. What makes this recipe so appealing is its simplicity: seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, hearty grains, and a light but flavorful dressing come together with minimal effort. I’ve made versions of this bowl using quinoa, brown rice, and even cauliflower rice, and each one works beautifully depending on how light you want your meal to be. The bowls store extremely well, making them ideal for lunches throughout the week without sacrificing texture or flavor. These bowls offer clean ingredients, refreshing flavors, and flexibility in customization—exactly what clean eating should feel like. Whether you’re preparing weekday meals or assembling a nourishing dinner, these Greek Chicken Bowls deliver balanced nutrition with a satisfying Mediterranean flair.
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Greek Chicken Bowls: Easy Clean Eating Meal Prep
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Fresh and flavorful Greek chicken bowls made with marinated grilled chicken, rice, vegetables, and a light yogurt tzatziki—perfect for clean eating and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry (for tzatziki)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Prepare tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, grated cucumber, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
- Assemble bowls by dividing cooked rice or quinoa among 4 containers.
- Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and parsley.
- Add a dollop of tzatziki on top or pack separately for meal prep.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add tzatziki just before eating for best texture.
Notes
- For lower carbs, swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Add olives for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Chicken can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Lean and versatile, chicken breasts soak in Greek seasonings easily and stay tender when cooked properly. They form the protein base of these bowls.
Olive oil
Used for marinating the chicken and dressing the vegetables, olive oil adds richness and promotes even cooking. A high-quality extra-virgin oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the marinade and adds a refreshing acidity that complements the herbs beautifully.
Garlic
Garlic infuses the chicken with depth and fragrance. Fresh garlic elevates the overall flavor profile.
Oregano
A staple Greek herb, oregano provides earthy, aromatic notes that define the dish’s Mediterranean character.
Cucumbers
Crisp cucumbers bring a cooling contrast to the warm, savory chicken and grains.
Cherry tomatoes
These add sweetness and juiciness, enhancing the freshness of the bowl without overwhelming it.
Red onion
Red onions contribute mild sharpness and color, balancing the richness of the chicken and grains.
Cooked quinoa or brown rice
These grains add hearty structure to the bowls. I’ve tried both, but quinoa creates a lighter result with a subtle nuttiness.
Feta cheese
Crumbled feta introduces creaminess and tang, giving the bowls that unmistakable Greek touch.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds an herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish and enhances its fresh, clean taste.
Greek yogurt dressing
A simple blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs brings the bowls together with a cool, creamy finish.
Directions
Begin by preparing the chicken marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly and allow it to marinate for at least 20 minutes to build flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Once done, let it rest briefly before slicing. Meanwhile, prepare your grain base. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool slightly before assembling the bowls.
Next, chop the fresh vegetables: slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and herbs to create a smooth dressing. To assemble the bowls, begin with a foundation of quinoa or brown rice. Top with sliced chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the yogurt dressing on top or pack it separately if meal prepping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. These bowls can be stored in airtight containers and maintain excellent texture and flavor throughout the week.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store assembled bowls (without dressing) in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave for 45–60 seconds, then add fresh vegetables and dressing before serving. The bowls hold their texture well when portioned properly, making them ideal for weekly meal prep.
Variations and Customizations
Mediterranean Grain Swap
Use farro or couscous instead of quinoa for a heartier Mediterranean-style bowl.
Low-Carb Version
Replace grains with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb alternative.
Grilled Chicken Upgrade
Broil or grill the chicken for enhanced smoky flavor and charred edges.
Spicy Greek Bowls
Add red pepper flakes or a spicy yogurt sauce for a heat-forward variation.
Extra Veggie Bowl
Include bell peppers, olives, or spinach to increase freshness and nutritional value.
Creamy Tahini Dressing
Swap yogurt dressing for a lemon-tahini drizzle for a nutty, dairy-free option.
Herb-Forward Version
Increase parsley and add dill for a more herbaceous, garden-fresh finish.
Vegan Greek Bowls
Substitute chicken with marinated chickpeas or grilled tofu for a plant-based version.
Roasted Vegetable Addition
Incorporate roasted zucchini or eggplant for deeper flavor and warmth.
Feta-Free Option
Replace feta with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter, clean-eating adaptation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay very tender when cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking it?
Absolutely, grilling enhances flavor and adds a smoky element.
How long can these bowls be stored?
They stay fresh for up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, slice and store them separately for maximum freshness.
Does the dressing keep well in the fridge?
It lasts 4–5 days when stored in a sealed container.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt and omit the feta cheese.
What grain works best for meal prep bowls?
Quinoa stores exceptionally well and maintains texture.
Can I double the recipe for the week?
Yes, the recipe scales easily without adjustments.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinate properly and avoid overcooking to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls offer a balanced, wholesome, and flavorful approach to meal prep, making them a standout option for clean eating. With seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables, nourishing grains, and a bright yogurt dressing, these bowls deliver freshness and satisfaction in every bite. They are simple to prepare, easy to store, and endlessly customizable, fitting seamlessly into both weekday routines and healthier eating goals. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, these bowls make staying nourished and organized effortless and enjoyable.
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