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This Greek chicken bowl is my go-to when I want something fresh but filling for lunch or dinner. Tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, briny olives, and a lively lemon-herb dressing all nestle on a bed of fluffy quinoa for a balanced meal that makes Mediterranean flavors shine.
When I first made this during a busy work week, I was surprised how easy it was to throw together and still feel like I was eating something special. Now I batch prep these bowls every Sunday so lunch is handled all week long.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: bring lean protein and take on all that lemony marinade flavor. Look for firm, pale pink chicken with no odor.
- Quinoa: creates a fluffy base and adds fiber. Choose pre-rinsed quinoa or rinse it well to avoid bitterness.
- Lemons: provide tang from both zest and juice. Go for heavy lemons with bright skin.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: gives richness to the marinade and dressing. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- Honey: balances acidity with a hint of sweetness. Opt for local, raw honey if possible.
- Garlic clove: in the marinade unlocks Mediterranean warmth. Fresh and firm cloves are best.
- Dried oregano and dried basil: create classic Greek flavor. Rub the herbs between your fingers to wake up their aroma.
- Kosher salt and kosher pepper: brings every ingredient to life and adds mild heat. Taste as you go for balance.
- English cucumber: is extra crunchy and less seedy than others. Pick one with smooth bright skin.
- Roma tomatoes: offer juiciness without getting mealy. The redder the better.
- Red onion: brings a sweet bite. Choose onions that feel heavy with glossy skin.
- Feta cheese: adds tangy creaminess. Buy a block and crumble it yourself for best taste.
- Kalamata olives: bring their signature briny punch. Seek out pitted olives packed in brine for maximum flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
- Add quinoa to a small saucepan with two cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for about twelve to fifteen minutes until all the water is absorbed and the grains look tender. If needed, drain away extra liquid. Spread the quinoa out so it can cool while you prep the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing and Marinade:
- Combine olive oil lemon juice lemon zest honey garlic oregano basil salt and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Stir or shake vigorously until everything comes together in a smooth emulsified dressing.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Pour about one third of the dressing over the chicken breasts. Toss to coat all sides and let them sit while you heat up the grill pan. Be sure to keep the rest of the dressing separate from the raw chicken.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill on medium-high. Add the chicken breasts. Grill on each side for six to eight minutes until each piece is browned and the internal temperature reads one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Rest the chicken before slicing thinly.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top each with the sliced chicken and arrange chopped cucumber tomato and red onion around the edges. Add feta cheese and olives on top.
- Dress and Serve:
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the bowls right before eating. Serve freshly tossed for best taste.
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One of my favorite parts of this bowl is the kalamata olives. Their deep color and briny taste always remind me of a little café I visited in Athens with my sister years ago. She still asks me to make this recipe whenever she visits.
Storage Tips
Keep assembled bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best texture store the dressing separately and only add right before serving. If meal prepping slice veggies just before eating to keep them extra crisp. Quinoa freezes well in single servings if you want to stretch your batch even longer.
Ingredient Substitutions
No quinoa on hand Swap in brown rice or farro for a heartier grain base. Need a dairy free option Omit the feta and add chopped avocado or a spoonful of hummus. You can switch the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian or pescatarian version. If you are out of honey maple syrup is a great alternative.
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Serving Suggestions
These bowls make a quick solo lunch but they also shine when served family-style at a party. Set out all toppings for a build your own bowl bar. Pair them with warm pita bread and a scoop of tzatziki or hummus. Add grilled peppers or artichoke hearts for an extra dose of veggies.
Cultural and Historical Context
Greek salad and grilled chicken are beloved staples in Mediterranean households. The combination of protein grains vegetables and brined cheese comes from a rich tradition of hearty meals built on simple farm-fresh ingredients. This bowl keeps those traditional flavors but gives it a modern twist for busy cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in place of breasts, offering a juicier result.
- → Is this bowl good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare components in advance and assemble bowls when ready to eat. Store dressing separately.
- → What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup provides a suitable alternative for the dressing if you prefer or need to avoid honey.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Marinate the chicken and avoid overcooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juiciness.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies or chickpeas for a protein boost.