These Greek Chicken Bowls are colorful and full of flavor! Juicy chicken sits on a bed of fresh veggies, like cucumbers and tomatoes, with tasty feta cheese on top.
I love how quick they are to make, perfect for busy nights. Just throw everything in a bowl and you’re ready to eat—it’s like a mini Mediterranean vacation on your plate! 🏖️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they’re lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using chicken thighs for more flavor, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Couscous: Couscous adds a nice texture, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or brown rice would work well instead. Both will give you a hearty base for the bowl!
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt is creamy and rich, but you can use low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt if needed. It’ll still give you a lovely sauce to drizzle over the chicken!
Feta Cheese: Feta is classic in Greek dishes; however, you could substitute it with goat cheese or a dairy-free feta if needed. Both will still provide a nice tangy flavor!
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is a key step for adding flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your marinade has a balance of acid (like lemon juice), fat (such as olive oil), and seasonings (like oregano and garlic).
- Coat your chicken well in the marinade, and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. For more intense flavor, you can also marinate it for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge.
- Remember to discard any leftover marinade used on raw chicken to avoid contamination.
Following this step will help to keep your chicken juicy and full of flavor! Enjoy making your Greek Chicken Bowls! 🍽️
Delicious Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for couscous)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes marinating the chicken, and then the cooking and assembly will take around 15 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Couscous:
Start by bringing the chicken broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it’s boiling, remove it from heat and add in the couscous. Give it a stir, then cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 5 minutes. After that, fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Take the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly in this marinade. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. After cooking, take them off the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing them into strips.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with a pinch of oregano, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper to taste. This will be your delicious yogurt sauce to drizzle over the chicken.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! In serving bowls, divide the couscous evenly. Around the couscous, arrange the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and sliced red onions for a beautiful and colorful presentation.
6. Add the Chicken:
Place the sliced chicken on top of the couscous in each bowl, creating a lovely focal point for your meal.
7. Add Toppings:
Drizzle the prepared yogurt sauce over the chicken. Then, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for that tangy flavor.
8. Optional Garnish:
If desired, toss on some chopped fresh parsley or dill to enhance the look and flavor of your Greek Chicken Bowls.
9. Serve:
Your fresh and vibrant Greek Chicken Bowl is ready to be enjoyed! Dig in and savor the delightful flavors!
This well-rounded dish combines juicy grilled chicken, refreshing vegetables, and flavorful toppings for a satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness to your bowls. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Tofu or chickpeas are also great protein-packed alternatives!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the couscous ahead of time. Just keep everything separate in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What Can I Serve with Greek Chicken Bowls?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce for extra flavor or pita bread to make it even more of a Mediterranean feast!