Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls offer everything you want in a clean eating meal prep staple: vibrant flavours, nourishing ingredients, and effortless assembly. With tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a simple homemade dressing, these bowls strike the perfect balance of freshness and satisfaction. They store exceptionally well, making them ideal for prepping lunches ahead of time or assembling quick dinners. When testing variations, I substituted almond milk in a light yogurt-based drizzle, and it still delivered a smooth, creamy finish. These bowls allow you to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired eating—colourful, wholesome, and packed with protein—without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Greek Chicken Bowls: Easy Clean Eating Meal Prep
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Greek Chicken Bowls are a fresh, clean-eating meal prep dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, fluffy rice or quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce for a balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare your bowls by adding a base of cooked rice or quinoa.
- Top each bowl with cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with parsley or dill and portion into meal prep containers if storing.
Notes
- For lower carbs, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- The chicken can be grilled, baked, or air-fried.
- Stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge; add tzatziki only when serving to keep bowls fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Cooked
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
The lean protein base of the bowl. When marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, the chicken becomes tender, aromatic, and perfect for weekly meal prep.
Olive oil
A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking. It enriches the marinade, enhances flavour, and helps the chicken achieve a golden sear.
Lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade and balances the richness of the olive oil, adding a zesty freshness to each bite.
Garlic
A key aromatic that anchors the marinade. Garlic adds depth and complementary savoury notes to the chicken and dressing.
Dried oregano
Essential for achieving that signature Greek flavour. Oregano pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic.
Cooked brown rice or quinoa
A wholesome grain base that absorbs the juices from the chicken and vegetables. It provides fibre and long-lasting energy.
Cucumber
Fresh, crunchy, and hydrating, cucumbers add brightness and texture to the bowls.
Cherry tomatoes
Juicy and slightly sweet, tomatoes provide colour and acidity that complement the seasoned chicken.
Red onion
Thin slices offer a sharper bite, balancing the creaminess of the dressing and the richness of the chicken.
Kalamata olives
These contribute briny depth, enhancing the Mediterranean personality of the bowls.
Feta cheese
Creamy and tangy, feta adds richness and ties all the fresh components together.
Greek yogurt sauce
A simple combination of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs brings creaminess without heaviness. It elevates the bowl with cool, refreshing flavour.
Directions
Begin by marinating the chicken. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 20–30 minutes, though longer enhances tenderness and flavour.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing. Meanwhile, prepare the base by portioning cooked brown rice or quinoa into individual bowls or containers.
Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Arrange these around the grain base, leaving space for the chicken. Add sliced chicken to each bowl. Crumble feta over the top.
To make the yogurt sauce, combine Greek yogurt with lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water—or almond milk, which I’ve tried successfully—to achieve a drizzle-worthy consistency. Spoon or drizzle the sauce over the bowls or store separately for meal prep.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for convenient meals 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
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of cooking time. Marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes is recommended but can be adjusted as needed.
Storage/reheating
Store fully assembled bowls (without the yogurt sauce) in airtight containers for up to four days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain freshness. Reheat only the chicken and grain portion before adding fresh vegetables and sauce. If eating cold, simply drizzle and enjoy without reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled Greek Chicken Bowls
Swap the skillet for a grill to impart smoky flavour and char marks.
Low-Carb Greek Bowls
Replace grains with cauliflower rice to lighten the dish.
Mediterranean Pasta Bowls
Use cooked whole-wheat pasta instead of rice for a heartier twist.
Spicy Greek Chicken
Add chilli flakes or a touch of harissa to the marinade.
Roasted Veggie Bowl
Include roasted zucchini, peppers, or eggplant for added depth.
Herb-Loaded Bowls
Increase parsley, dill, or mint for an aromatic lift.
Vegan Mediterranean Bowl
Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas and use a dairy-free yogurt sauce.
Avocado Greek Bowl
Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Lemon Rice Base
Stir lemon zest and herbs into your rice for brighter flavour.
Creamy Tzatziki Drizzle
Replace the yogurt sauce with a homemade tzatziki for a more traditional touch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Should the bowls be eaten hot or cold?
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
What grain works best for these bowls?
Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of yogurt sauce?
How do I keep vegetables crisp during meal prep?
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Are these bowls freezer-friendly?
How do I make the bowls dairy-free?
Can I grill the chicken outdoors instead of using a pan?
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls are an effortless way to bring wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired eating into your weekly routine. Fresh vegetables, flavourful chicken, and a creamy yogurt drizzle create a balanced and satisfying meal that stores beautifully. Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches, this recipe offers flexibility, clean ingredients, and consistency. With countless variations and minimal equipment, it easily earns its place as a reliable, feel-good staple you will return to again and again.
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