Ingredients
Before we get into the fun part—actually making the dish—let’s go over the key ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, these ingredients are simple and easy to find, but the flavors they bring to the table are anything but basic.
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bowl Toppings:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish)
How to Marinate the Chicken
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s start with the most important step—the chicken marinade. The key to juicy, flavorful chicken is allowing it to soak up all the Mediterranean goodness in this marinade.
Start by placing your chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Add olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good shake or stir to coat the chicken evenly. Make sure the chicken is fully covered in the marinade to lock in all those delicious flavors.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have the time, letting it sit for a few hours—or even overnight—will yield the best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors have time to penetrate.
Preparing the Cabbage Slaw
While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the slaw. This tangy cabbage slaw is the perfect contrast to the rich grilled chicken, and it’s so easy to whip up!
First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine both the green and purple cabbage, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. The mix of colors not only looks beautiful but also brings a range of textures, from the crunchy cabbage to the sweet carrots.
Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. This creates a creamy, tangy dressing that pulls everything together. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. The parsley adds a fresh note that complements the earthy cabbage and the zesty dressing.
Grilling the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to get cooking! There are a few ways to cook the chicken: you can grill it, pan-sear it, or even bake it. However, grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the fresh ingredients in this Greek chicken bowl.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove. When the grill is ready, place the chicken on the grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowl
Now comes the fun part: assembling your Greek chicken bowl! Start by adding a base to your bowl. This could be a simple bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even some mixed greens. You can also use cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Next, slice the grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Layer the chicken over the base of your bowl.
Now, it’s time for the slaw! Pile on a generous portion of the cabbage slaw on top of the chicken. The crunchy cabbage with the creamy dressing adds an irresistible texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Add a few extra toppings to elevate the dish: diced cucumber for freshness, Kalamata olives for a salty, briny punch, and crumbled feta cheese for that creamy, tangy Mediterranean touch.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top, and squeeze a lemon wedge over everything for a zesty finish. You can even add a few more fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor!
Final Thoughts
In just a few steps, you can create a delicious and vibrant Greek chicken bowl with cabbage slaw that will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy slaw, and all those Mediterranean flavors is truly irresistible.
So, next time you’re looking for a fresh, easy, and healthy meal, give this recipe a try. With its bright flavors and balance of textures, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
