Description
This Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal featuring juicy Greek-seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner, it combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces and let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together the Greek yogurt, finely grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld until you’re ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through to the center.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked white or brown rice evenly among four serving bowls. Arrange the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese around the rice in each bowl.
- Add Chicken and Toppings: Place the cooked Greek chicken on top of the rice in each bowl. Spoon a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Add lemon wedges to each bowl for squeezing over the dish as desired. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice as healthier or lower-carb alternatives to white rice.
- To add extra flavor and texture, include roasted red peppers or chickpeas in the bowls.
- For meal prep, store chicken, rice, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce separately to maintain freshness.
- Fresh lemon juice and oregano are key for achieving an authentic Greek flavor in the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
