A vibrant and nutritious meal that brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors while keeping health and wellness in mind. These Greek chicken bowls are perfect for meal prep and offer a balanced combination of lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables.

Core Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups quinoa or brown rice
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh mint and parsley for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 2 cups Greek yogurt (0% or 2% fat)
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper
2. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator

Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
2. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
3. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing

Prepare the Tzatziki

1. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel
2. Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice
3. Season with salt and pepper
4. Refrigerate until ready to use

Assemble the Bowls

1. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions
2. Divide the grains among serving bowls
3. Arrange sliced chicken and fresh vegetables in sections
4. Add olives and crumbled feta
5. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce
6. Garnish with fresh herbs

Nutritional Benefits

• High in lean protein from chicken and Greek yogurt
• Rich in fiber from whole grains and vegetables
• Healthy fats from olive oil, olives, and feta
• Abundant vitamins and minerals from fresh produce
• Probiotics from Greek yogurt
• Low in saturated fat
• Gluten-free (when using quinoa)

Meal Prep Tips

1. Marinate and grill chicken in advance
2. Prepare tzatziki sauce up to 3 days ahead
3. Cook grains in bulk
4. Store components separately for maximum freshness
5. Assemble bowls just before eating

Storage Guidelines

• Cooked chicken: 3-4 days in refrigerator
• Tzatziki sauce: 3-5 days in refrigerator
• Cooked quinoa/rice: 4-5 days in refrigerator
• Cut vegetables: 2-3 days in refrigerator
• Assembled bowls: Best eaten within 24 hours

Customization Options

• Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu
• Use different whole grains like farro or barley
• Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein
• Include different vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes
• Make it dairy-free by omitting feta and using coconut yogurt for tzatziki
• Add hummus for extra protein and flavor

This healthy Greek chicken bowl recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors and nutrients while remaining satisfying and delicious. It’s an excellent option for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing taste, and its versatility makes it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Remember to adjust portions and ingredients based on your specific nutritional needs and preferences. The beauty of bowl-style meals is their flexibility – feel free to modify the components while maintaining the Mediterranean spirit of the dish.