Greek Chicken Bowl with Tahini Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 pound)
• Olive oil – For that rich, fruity flavor.
• Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for a tangy kick.
• Garlic cloves – Minced for boldness.
• Dried oregano – The quintessential Greek herb.
• Smoked paprika – Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

For the Bowl:

• Cooked grains – Quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
• Cherry tomatoes – Halved for sweetness.
• Cucumber – Diced for crunch.
• Red onion – Thinly sliced for a zesty bite.
• Kalamata olives – Pitted for briny goodness.
• Feta cheese – Crumbled for creaminess.

For the Tahini Dressing:

• Tahini – The heart of the dressing.
• Lemon juice – Balances the richness.
• Garlic – A small clove for subtle heat.
• Warm water – To thin the dressing.
• Salt – To enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Perfect Bowl

Preparing the Chicken

Let’s start with the chicken, the protein-packed hero of this dish.

1. Marinate: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and pour over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely seared. Set aside to rest before slicing.

Pro tip: Resting the chicken for a few minutes locks in the juices, making it extra tender.

Prepping the Vegetables

The beauty of this bowl lies in its fresh, crunchy veggies.

• Cucumbers and tomatoes: Dice them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Red onion: Slice thinly and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the sharpness.
• Olives and feta: Leave them as they are, ready to add pops of flavor.

Cooking the Grains

• Quinoa, rice, or farro: Cook according to package instructions. A pinch of salt in the water goes a long way in boosting the flavor.
• Want a time-saving hack? Use pre-cooked grains or microwaveable options for busy days.

Making the Tahini Dressing

The dressing ties everything together, so don’t skip this step!

1. Mix: In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. Adjust: Add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency.

Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowl

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together. Here’s how to layer it for maximum flavor:

1. Base: Start with a generous scoop of cooked grains.
2. Veggies: Add a colorful mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.
3. Protein: Arrange slices of juicy, marinated chicken on top.
4. Toppings: Scatter olives and crumbled feta cheese over everything.
5. Drizzle: Finish with a good drizzle of tahini dressing.

Want to make it Instagram-worthy? Use a wide, shallow bowl and arrange everything in neat sections before mixing.