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- Chicken and Marinade Components You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For the marinade, use: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Marinating the chicken adds flavor and keeps it juicy. You can let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. - Quinoa/Brown Rice and Fresh Vegetables For the base, use 1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice. Fresh veggies add color and crunch. Include: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced These ingredients create a fresh and vibrant bowl. - Feta Cheese and Garnish For added richness, use 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped. This gives a nice touch and fresh flavor. - Greek Yogurt and Cucumber The base of tzatziki is 1 cup thick Greek yogurt. You also need 1 small cucumber, grated. Squeeze out any extra moisture from the cucumber. - Garlic and Fresh Herbs Use 1 clove garlic, finely minced. Add 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped. These ingredients bring bold flavors to the sauce. - Seasoning Elements Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and salt to taste. This balances the creaminess of the yogurt and cucumber. Together, these ingredients create a delicious meal that is fresh and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_2}} How to Prepare the Marinade To make the marinade, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl. Coat them well with the marinade for full flavor. Recommended Marination Time For the best taste, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it overnight. Longer marination gives the chicken a deeper flavor. Preheat Grill/Grill Pan Guide Before cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This helps achieve nice grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy. Cooking Duration and Temperature Check Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Check that the inside is 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Steps to Combine Ingredients While the chicken rests, make the tzatziki. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of thick Greek yogurt, 1 grated cucumber (make sure it’s drained), 1 finely minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of chopped dill. Stir well until all ingredients blend together. Tips for Ensuring Correct Consistency For the best tzatziki, ensure the cucumber is well-drained. This keeps the sauce from being too watery. Taste and add salt as needed for flavor. Layering Technique for Bowls Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice in each bowl. Add sliced grilled chicken on top. Then, layer halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. This makes it colorful and tasty. Serving Size Adjustments This recipe serves four. You can adjust the portions based on how many people you are serving. If you want smaller bowls, use less of each ingredient. Marination Tips for Enhanced Flavor To make the chicken really tasty, marinate it well. Mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Coat the chicken breasts in the mix. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge. Tips for Achieving Perfect Grill Marks Grill marks make the chicken look great. Start with a hot grill. Place the chicken on it and do not move it for about 6-7 minutes. Flip it only once for nice lines. Check the internal temperature to reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Alternative Ingredients for Tzatziki You can change up the tzatziki sauce. Try using sour cream if you don’t have Greek yogurt. Fresh mint can replace dill for a bright taste. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for more zing. Flavor Variations to Consider Want to mix it up? Add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. A bit of honey can balance the flavors nicely. Experiment with different herbs like chives or parsley for unique tastes. How to Create an Attractive Bowl For a beautiful bowl, start with a base of quinoa or brown rice. Layer sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions neatly. Use a bowl with high contrast colors to make it pop. Garnishing Ideas for Extra Color Add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy touch. Fresh parsley gives a green burst. A lemon wedge on the side adds brightness and a fresh look. Consider a drizzle of extra tzatziki on top for a special touch. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the juiciest chicken, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Perfect Grilling: Ensure your grill is preheated for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for safety and optimal doneness. Customizing Tzatziki: For a twist, add a hint of mint or swap dill with fresh chives in the tzatziki sauce for a different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of warm pita bread or a light Greek salad to complement the bowls and enhance the Mediterranean experience. {{image_4}} Want to switch up the protein? You can use turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Turkey gives a leaner option and tastes great with the same marinade. For a plant-based choice, tofu absorbs flavors well. Press tofu to remove moisture, then marinate and grill it. If you prefer seafood, consider shrimp or fish. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with the tzatziki sauce. Use a firm fish like salmon or tilapia for a tasty twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed. You can choose between quinoa and brown rice as your base. Quinoa is high in protein and has a nutty flavor. Brown rice is hearty and filling. Both work great under the chicken and veggies. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives keep the meal light and fresh. They also soak up the tzatziki sauce well, making each bite flavorful. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add color and crunch. You can also try roasted veggies for a different taste. For extra texture, add nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch. You can even toss in some olives for a briny kick. These choices make your Greek chicken bowls even more exciting. To keep your Greek chicken bowls fresh, use proper storage methods. Start by letting the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. You can store the chicken and other bowl ingredients separately. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. For the quinoa or brown rice, make sure it is also stored in a sealed container. The shelf life in the refrigerator for chicken is about 3 to 4 days. Quinoa or rice can last for about a week. Vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers should be used within 2 to 3 days. When reheating grilled chicken, do it gently. Use the microwave at medium power or warm it in a pan over low heat. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. For the tzatziki sauce, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you find it thickens, add a little water or lemon juice. Mix it well before serving. Enjoy your leftovers with just as much flavor! Yes, you can make tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This will let the flavors blend well. Just give it a stir before serving. If you need a substitute for Greek yogurt, try using plain yogurt. You can also use plant-based yogurt made from almond or coconut. Just make sure it is thick and unsweetened for the best taste. Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian easily. Instead of chicken, use grilled vegetables or chickpeas. Both options add great flavor and protein. You can keep all the fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce to complete the bowl. The Greek Chicken Bowls are balanced and healthy. Each serving has about 400 calories. You get around 30 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of fat. This makes it a good meal for energy and nutrition. In this post, I shared how to make Greek Chicken Bowls with delicious ingredients and easy steps. You learned about marinating chicken and making tzatziki sauce. I also covered tips for perfecting flavors and variations for different diets. Remember, these bowls are customizable and fun to assemble. Whether you make it for dinner or meal prep, enjoy balancing flavors and toppings. With these tips and tricks, you can make a tasty meal anytime. Happy cooking!

Athenian Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tzatziki

Delicious chicken bowls topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece cucumber, diced
  • 1 2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • to taste salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  • While the chicken is resting, prepare the tzatziki. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it is well-drained), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Season with salt to taste, then cover and refrigerate the tzatziki until you are ready to serve.
  • In four serving bowls, start by adding a generous layer of cooked quinoa or brown rice as the base. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
  • Finally, drizzle the creamy tzatziki sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the bowls colorful and well-layered for an appetizing look. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for an extra fresh touch and garnish with additional dill if desired.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, quinoa, tzatziki