Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love that this bowl is bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors yet comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and perfect for both a wholesome dinner and easy meal prep. The leftovers actually taste better the next day!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Marinade/Dressing
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¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
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Juice of 2 lemons + ½ tablespoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 garlic clove, minced
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2 teaspoons dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowls
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1½ cups uncooked quinoa
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 English cucumber, diced
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4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
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1 medium red onion, diced
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1 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
Directions
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I cook the quinoa in a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt over medium heat for about 12–15 minutes until fluffy, then set it aside.
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I whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
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I pour about one-third of the dressing over the chicken, toss to coat, and let it sit while I prepare the rest.
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I grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked through and nicely charred.
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I slice the chicken and assemble the bowls with quinoa, vegetables, feta, and olives, then drizzle with the remaining dressing.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 bowls
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 23 minutes
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Total time: 28 minutes
Variations
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I swap quinoa for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or farro depending on what I have on hand.
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I use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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I make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding chickpeas or grilled veggies.
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I switch honey for maple syrup in the dressing for a slightly different sweetness.
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I sometimes add a dollop of tzatziki or tahini to change up the flavor profile.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. If I’m prepping ahead, I keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. To reheat, I microwave the chicken and quinoa with a splash of water, but I also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use rice instead of quinoa?
Yes—I often swap in rice, whether it’s brown, white, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that it’s firm, with clear juices, and ideally use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s reached 165°F inside.
Can I marinate the chicken longer?
Yes, marinating for a few hours or overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor even more.
Is this meal suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely—it stores well and makes a great grab-and-go lunch. I recommend keeping the components separate until serving.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Definitely—thighs are flavorful and stay juicy, making them a great choice for grilling or pan-searing.
Conclusion
I find this Greek Chicken Bowl incredibly satisfying—fresh, flavorful, and versatile. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a well-balanced meal and perfect for prepping ahead to make healthy eating effortless all week.
Print
Greek Chicken Bowl
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring grilled chicken, quinoa, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta, topped with a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Ideal for a quick, healthy Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Juice of 2 lemons + ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups uncooked quinoa
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in a saucepan with water and salt over medium heat for 12–15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour one-third of the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, and reserve the rest for later.
- Grill chicken on medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
- Divide quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Swap quinoa with rice, farro, or cauliflower rice.
- Store dressing separately if meal prepping.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg