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Easy Flavor-Packed Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe for Meal Prep Success

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This recipe features juicy marinated Greek chicken thighs served with homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies over brown rice or quinoa, perfect for quick meal prep and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours (up to overnight).
  2. While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber over a fine sieve or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture. In a medium bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. For extra flavor, cook grains in chicken broth instead of water. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking about 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips.
  5. While chicken cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, thinly slice red onion, and pit and slice olives. Chop fresh parsley or mint for garnish.
  6. Divide cooked grains among meal prep containers or plates. Layer sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives on top. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle fresh herbs. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; ideally 2 hours or overnight. Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber to avoid runny tzatziki. Cook grains first to multitask efficiently. Keep tzatziki separate when meal prepping to prevent sogginess. Use chicken thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner option. Variations include low-carb with cauliflower rice or vegetarian with grilled halloumi or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken bowls, meal prep, tzatziki, Mediterranean, healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe, grilled chicken, homemade tzatziki