Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Easy Greek Chicken Bowls. This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of sun-soaked vacations in the Greek islands.
Trust me, one bite of these flavorful bowls, and you’ll be transported to a seaside taverna faster than you can say “Opa!”
What Makes Greek Chicken Bowls Special?
Mediterranean Flavors
Greek chicken bowls are a perfect symphony of Mediterranean flavors. The combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh veggies creates a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
I remember the first time I tried a similar dish in a small coastal town in Greece – it was love at first bite!
Key Ingredients for Greek Chicken Bowls
Chicken
For this recipe, we’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to marinate them in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also keeps it juicy and tender.
Grains
While traditional Greek cuisine often uses rice, I prefer couscous as the base for these bowls. It’s quick-cooking and soaks up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors like a dream.
Toppings
Here’s where the magic happens! We’re talking juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and creamy feta cheese. Don’t forget the Kalamata olives – they add that perfect salty punch that takes this dish to the next level.
Sauces
No Greek chicken bowl is complete without a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. This creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to the grilled chicken and fresh veggies.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Easy Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon (juice and zest)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups cooked couscous
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 Persian cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup garlic yogurt sauce (tzatziki)
– Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked couscous among four bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh dill.
Variations and Tips
Using Ground Chicken
If you’re short on time, try using ground chicken instead of chicken breasts. Season it with the same Mediterranean spices and cook it in a skillet for a quick and delicious variation.
Adding Extra Flavors
Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken marinade for a subtle smoky flavor. It’s a little twist that always gets rave reviews from my dinner guests!
Meal Prep
These Greek chicken bowls are perfect for meal prep. I often make a big batch on Sunday evenings and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week. Just keep the tzatziki sauce separate and add it right before eating.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks – my go-to recipe for Easy Greek Chicken Bowls. It’s a dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face, reminding me of sunny Mediterranean days and the joy of good food shared with friends.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for your next gathering, these Greek chicken bowls are sure to hit the spot.
So, fire up that grill, pour yourself a glass of crisp white wine, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of Greece right in your own kitchen. Opa!
