Greek Chicken Bowls (Print Version)
A vibrant bowl featuring herbed grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and rice topped with cool tzatziki.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tsp dried oregano
06 - 1 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1/2 tsp paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Rice
10 - 1 cup basmati or long grain rice
11 - 1 3/4 cups water
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Fresh Vegetables
14 - 1 small cucumber, diced
15 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
16 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
17 - 1.75 oz Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
18 - 1.75 oz feta cheese, crumbled
→ Tzatziki Sauce
19 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
20 - 1/2 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
21 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
22 - 1 garlic clove, minced
23 - 1 tbsp olive oil
24 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
25 - Salt & pepper to taste
→ Garnishes
26 - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
27 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
02 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 minute. Pour in water and salt, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing.
03 - Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
04 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
05 - Portion rice into serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta. Generously spoon tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with herbs and lemon wedges.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It is a complete meal in a single bowl that balances protein and fresh produce effortlessly.
- The homemade tzatziki sauce is a refreshing change from heavy dressings.
02 -
- Always squeeze the excess water out of the grated cucumber so your tzatziki does not become watery.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking locks in the juices.
03 -
- Use a microplane to grate the garlic and cucumber so they dissolve into the sauce.
- Toast the rice in the oil for a minute before adding liquid to enhance the nutty flavor.