– **Title**: Greek Chicken Bowls
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Tzatziki sauce for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture.
3. Grill or cook the chicken on the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. In serving bowls, layer quinoa or rice as the base.
5. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
6. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
7. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute them with thighs, or use grilled shrimp for a tasty variation.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist. However, you can use avocado oil or any neutral oil if olive oil isn’t available. They work just as well for marinating!
Oregano: Dried oregano brings that classic Greek flavor. If you don’t have it, try using Italian seasoning or even fresh oregano, which you would need to add more of for a bolder taste.
Rice: While white rice is a common choice, brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Coconut rice offers a tropical flair with a sweet touch, so any of these options will work based on what you like!
Feta Cheese: Feta is a must for that tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can try goat cheese or even try some diced mozzarella for a mild taste. Just make sure it’s crumbly for the best texture!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure to marinate your chicken at least for 30 minutes, but overnight is better for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet well before adding the chicken—this helps avoid sticking and gives nice grill marks.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Slicing too early can make it dry!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time! Enjoy building your bowls.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or coconut)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 30-40 minutes for cooking and marinating. You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but it’s even better if you let it sit overnight. Overall, just a simple and enjoyable process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this flavorful marinade all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are nicely coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the fridge will add even more flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once the chicken is marinated, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be fully cooked, so check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Prepare the Bowls:
While the chicken is cooking, make sure your rice is prepared according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked. Now it’s time to build your bowls! In individual bowls, start by layering in the cooked rice as the base. Next, add the sliced grilled chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped romaine lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh parsley on top.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Greek Chicken Bowls with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty flavor. Feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you like it spicy. Enjoy your vibrant and fresh meal!
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: shrimp usually cooks faster (about 2-3 minutes per side), while tofu may require a bit more marinating time for flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Great question! You can marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. Additionally, you can cook the rice and chop the veggies a day in advance. Just store everything separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, store the chicken and veggies separately from the rice. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the skillet, and serve it over the refreshed rice.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can certainly use brown rice! It adds a nutty flavor and is healthier overall. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so be sure to adjust your cooking time according to the package instructions.
