Ingredients
Ready to get started? Here’s a list of the key ingredients for your Greek Chicken Bowl with Quinoa:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Salt, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh parsley or mint (optional, for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small cucumber (grated)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part—making your Greek Chicken Bowl!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Greek Chicken Bowls with Quinoa
Let’s get started with the preparation! It’s as easy as 1-2-3—just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious, nutritious Greek-inspired meal in no time!
1. Marinate the Chicken
The first step in creating this Greek chicken bowl is marinating the chicken. This is where the magic happens! A well-marinated chicken will soak up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Quinoa
While the chicken marinates, let’s get the quinoa cooking! Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice or couscous, and it pairs perfectly with the Greek flavors in this dish.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter saponins.
- In a medium saucepan, add the quinoa and water (or broth for more flavor). Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in olive oil and salt to taste. You’re now ready for the next step!
3. Grill the Chicken
Now that your chicken has marinated and your quinoa is ready, it’s time to grill the chicken to perfection. You can use a grill pan, outdoor grill, or even a skillet.
- Heat the grill or pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Make sure it’s golden brown and juicy!
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the Toppings
The toppings are what give this dish that extra crunch and freshness. Let’s assemble everything!
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pit and slice the Kalamata olives.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- Chop some fresh parsley or mint for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowl
This is the fun part—putting everything together! Grab a bowl and start layering the ingredients.
- Start with a base of fluffy quinoa.
- Add the grilled chicken pieces on top of the quinoa.
- Arrange the sliced veggies (tomatoes, cucumber, onion), olives, and crumbled feta around the chicken.
- Drizzle the homemade tzatziki sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Voila! You have a beautiful Greek Chicken Bowl that’s ready to be devoured.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowl
This Greek Chicken Bowl with Quinoa recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and bursting with nutrients, making it the perfect option for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking to eat something light and healthy or need a meal that will fill you up without weighing you down, this bowl has got you covered.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a taste of Greece in the comfort of your own kitchen. The combination of marinated chicken, quinoa, crunchy veggies, and homemade tzatziki sauce will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and customizable to suit your taste.
So why wait? Grab your ingredients and make this delicious, nourishing Greek Chicken Bowl with Quinoa today! Your taste buds will thank you.
