If you’re looking for a bowl that’s light, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, this Healthy Greek Chicken Bowl is it. I came up with this one after a family trip to Greece where we enjoyed grilled meats with crisp vegetables and tangy yogurt sauces on nearly every corner. This recipe brings those vibrant flavors home—tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a creamy homemade tzatziki.
Perfect for meal prep or a fresh weeknight dinner, this bowl is a celebration of textures and taste: juicy chicken, cool cucumber, herby marinade, and the bold pop of feta (if you choose to include it). Best of all? It’s healthy, gluten-free, and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Bright lemon, herby chicken, and cool tzatziki.
- Balanced Meal: Protein, carbs, healthy fats, and fiber all in one bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Chicken and sauce can be made ahead for easy lunches.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Air fryer or skillet—your choice.
- Customizable: Add hummus, swap grains, or skip dairy for your needs.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1¼ lb small chicken breasts (about 4)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Bowl Fillings:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
- ½ cup cucumber, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, zest, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pound chicken to about ½ inch thick. Add to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours).
2. Make the Tzatziki
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt in a bowl. Mix until creamy and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Prep the Bowl Fillings
Cook rice and chop lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Air Fryer: Set to 380°F and cook chicken for 7 minutes, flip, then cook for 3–4 more minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Skillet: Heat a pan with oil over medium-low heat. Fry chicken for 7–8 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Start with a layer of rice, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Add sliced chicken and drizzle with tzatziki. Top with feta, more lemon juice, or even a drizzle of tahini.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
- Marinate Ahead: Chicken can be marinated 24 hours in advance.
- Batch Cook: Double the recipe for easy meal prep.
- Storage: Keep components separate in the fridge. Assembled bowls last 2–3 days, and tzatziki up to 4 days.
Variations
- Low-Carb: Skip rice and add more greens or cauliflower rice.
- Vegan Version: Use grilled tofu and plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki.
- Grain Swap: Use farro, bulgur, or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Add Hummus: For extra creaminess and protein.
What to Serve With Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
Though it’s a complete meal, pair it with:
- Warm pita bread or naan
- Stuffed grape leaves (dolmas)
- Lemon herb roasted potatoes
- A refreshing mint lemonade or sparkling water with cucumber
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet or air fryer?
Absolutely. Grilling adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Low-fat sour cream works well, or try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
How do I prevent tzatziki from being watery?
After grating the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! It adds more fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor.
Are these bowls gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls are everything I love about Mediterranean food: fresh, flavorful, nourishing, and easy. Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a relaxed dinner, these bowls make you feel good from the inside out. They’re one of those recipes that’s easy enough to become a weekly staple but special enough to impress guests. Add them to your rotation—you’ll thank yourself later.
Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1¼ lb small chicken breasts about 4
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Bowl Fillings:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce shredded
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups cucumber diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese optional
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
- ½ cup cucumber grated
- 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, zest, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pound chicken to about ½ inch thick. Add to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours).
Make the Tzatziki
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt in a bowl. Mix until creamy and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep the Bowl Fillings
- Cook rice and chop lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Cook the Chicken
- Air Fryer: Set to 380°F and cook chicken for 7 minutes, flip, then cook for 3–4 more minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Skillet: Heat a pan with oil over medium-low heat. Fry chicken for 7–8 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a layer of rice, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Add sliced chicken and drizzle with tzatziki. Top with feta, more lemon juice, or even a drizzle of tahini.
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