Greek Chicken Rice Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep.
This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with fresh vegetables, rice, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.
It’s a wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Let’s dive into how to create this delectable meal from scratch.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 English cucumber, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1-2 tsp dry dill)
- 2 tbsp water
- Other Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts for marination. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Add the lemon juice and oil to the mix, stirring to combine.
Place the chicken breasts into a large ziplock bag, then add the seasoning mix.
Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
To ensure even cooking, use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the thicker side of each chicken breast to match the thinner side.
Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors infuse.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step ensures that the juices redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating or cooking, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce.
Start by grating the cucumber. After grating, squeeze out the excess liquid from the cucumber to avoid a watery sauce.
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated cucumber, pressed garlic cloves, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add fresh dill or dry dill, depending on what you have.
Stir in water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Store the tzatziki sauce in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Step 3: Assemble the Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
Prepare your vegetables: chop the Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
In each serving bowl, add a base of cooked rice.
Layer on the Romaine lettuce, followed by sliced chicken.
Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
Finally, spoon a generous amount of homemade tzatziki sauce over the bowl.
Mix everything together before eating or enjoy the components separately for a delightful experience.
Additional Tips:
If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or couscous can be used instead of rice.
Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities according to your preference or availability.
For meal prep, divide the ingredients into individual containers. The chicken and tzatziki sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for several days, making this a convenient option for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.
Greek Chicken Rice Bowls are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy and versatile meal option.
With the tangy tzatziki sauce and well-seasoned chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the fresh flavors and vibrant colors in every bite!