Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients that will make this Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl a showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for one or prepping for the whole family, these ingredients are simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice (for a heartier bowl, quinoa adds a nice touch!)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Pita Chips:
- 2 pita bread rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!
How to Make the Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first thing you’ll want to do is marinate the chicken. This will allow the flavors to soak in, making the chicken tender and full of Mediterranean goodness. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, then add the chicken breasts and make sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can leave it for an hour or even overnight, the flavors will intensify even more!
Step 2: Make the Pita Chips
While the chicken is marinating, you can get started on the pita chips. These crispy delights are the perfect crunchy counterpart to the tender chicken and fresh veggies. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the pita bread into wedges, then drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and salt. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This step ensures that all those juices stay locked in.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
Now that the chicken and pita chips are ready, it’s time to prepare the fresh toppings. Start by dicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese. All these fresh, crunchy ingredients add such a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Step 5: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is the creamy, tangy sauce that ties this whole bowl together. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth, and feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This creamy sauce adds a cool, refreshing element to the warm chicken and crunchy pita chips.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part—assembling your Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl! Start with a base of quinoa or rice in a large bowl. Top with the grilled chicken slices, followed by the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Don’t forget to add those crispy pita chips on top for that perfect crunch! Finally, drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over everything and garnish with fresh parsley. Voilà! Your Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl is ready to be devoured.
Conclusion: Enjoy Every Bite!
There you have it—a Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl with crispy pita chips, packed with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a touch of Mediterranean magic. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this bowl is guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s versatile, healthy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for any occasion.
So, next time you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and filling, give this Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl a try. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
