Ingredients
Let’s talk about what goes into this delicious bowl. You might already have most of these staples in your kitchen.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or fresh dill, finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
For the Bowl Base and Toppings:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Greek Chicken Bowl
Marinate the Chicken
Why marinate? Marination isn’t just about flavor—it’s about tenderizing the chicken and ensuring every bite is juicy.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, a quick 15-minute marinade still works wonders!
Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens. Cooking your chicken just right is key to keeping it tender and juicy.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook the chicken in a single layer, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
This sauce is the soul of the dish—it’s tangy, creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness.
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while you assemble the rest of the bowl.
Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part: building your Greek Chicken Bowl!
- Start with your base—spread a generous scoop of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice at the bottom of your bowl.
- Layer on the chopped romaine lettuce for some crunch.
- Add the cooked chicken, followed by the veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of the garlic yogurt sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tip: Serve with a lemon wedge for an extra zing!