Weeknight Greek Chicken Bowls with Herbed Couscous

Oh, sweet friends, isn’t there just something utterly delightful about a meal that feels like a warm hug, yet is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors? Today, I’m simply buzzing with excitement to share my Weeknight Greek Chicken Bowls recipe with you. These Greek Chicken Bowls are not just a dinner; they’re an invitation to bring the sunshine and spirit of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen table, a truly classic and magical experience when prepared with love at home.

I still remember Sunday afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of simmering sauces and freshly baked bread. She always said, “Sara, the best meals are made with simple ingredients and a generous heart.” It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me through years of experimenting, learning, and sharing the joy of homemade goodness, whether it’s a sweet treat or a savory delight like these bowls.

These Greek Chicken Bowls are a true testament to that philosophy – they’re incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet they taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, making them perfect for a family dinner or even a casual gathering. My top tip? Always taste as you go; your palate is your best guide to balancing those beautiful Mediterranean flavors.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For these delightful bowls, we’re focusing on fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring big flavor. Think tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in bright lemon and aromatic oregano, perfectly cooked quinoa, and a medley of crisp vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives. I always say, simple ingredients truly shine brightest in recipes like these Greek Chicken Bowls. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below!

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls

Crafting these vibrant Weeknight Greek Chicken Bowls is a wonderfully straightforward process, perfect for any home cook! We begin by marinating the chicken to infuse it with those irresistible Greek flavors before cooking it to tender perfection. While the chicken cooks, you’ll prepare your fluffy quinoa and chop the fresh, crisp vegetables. Finally, everything comes together in a bowl, drizzled with a creamy, herbed Greek yogurt dressing that ties all the delightful elements of these Greek Chicken Bowls together beautifully.

Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowls

Enjoy a vibrant and wholesome Mediterranean Greek Chicken Bowl featuring tender, lemon-oregano marinated chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a refreshing Greek salad all drizzled with creamy homemade tzatziki.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil for marinade
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice for marinade
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt for chicken marinade
• 1/4 tsp black pepper for chicken marinade
• 1 cup quinoa rinsed
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt for quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup cucumber diced, for salad
• 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup cucumber grated and squeezed dry, for tzatziki
• 1 clove garlic minced, for tzatziki
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for tzatziki
• 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped, for tzatziki
• 1/4 tsp salt for tzatziki
• pinch black pepper for tzatziki
• 4 lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Skillet or Grill Pan
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Medium saucepan

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
3. While the chicken marinates, combine the rinsed quinoa, water (or broth), and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed dry cucumber, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. In a separate medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Set aside.
6. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
7. Divide the cooked quinoa evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the cooked Greek chicken.
8. Spoon the prepared Greek salad topping over the chicken and quinoa. Dollop a generous amount of tzatziki on top. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and serve immediately.

Notes

For meal prep, store chicken, quinoa, salad topping, and tzatziki in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Assemble bowls just before serving. Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to your salad mix. If you prefer a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Oh, my dears, I’ve learned a trick or two over the years that can elevate a simple dish into something truly special, and these Greek Chicken Bowls are no exception!

• Marinating Matters: Don’t skimp on the marinating time for your chicken. Even 20-30 minutes makes a world of difference, allowing the lemon and herbs to truly penetrate the chicken, ensuring every bite of your Greek Chicken Bowls is bursting with flavor.
• Perfect Quinoa: For perfectly fluffy quinoa every time, treat it like rice! Rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness, and ensure you use the correct water-to-quinoa ratio. My grandmother always said patience is key, and it holds true for perfectly cooked grains too!
• My Secret Trick: I always make a double batch of the Greek yogurt dressing. It’s fantastic for meal prepping, and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making your next serving of Greek Chicken Bowls even more delightful. Plus, it’s wonderful on salads or as a dip!
• Fresh Herbs are Best: While dried herbs work, using fresh dill and oregano in your dressing and as a garnish truly brightens the entire dish. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact on the overall freshness of your Greek Chicken Bowls.

Fun Variations for Greek Chicken Bowls

One of the greatest joys of cooking at home is making a recipe truly your own, and these Greek Chicken Bowls are wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with your additions and swaps.

Flavor Twists & Protein Swaps

My sister, bless her heart, loves to experiment, and her favorite twist for Greek Chicken Bowls is to swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version. It adds a delightful saltiness and different texture. You could also try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of crunch and richness.

Seasonal Vegetable Delights

Depending on what’s fresh at your local market, you can always play with the vegetables. Roasted bell peppers or zucchini would be a lovely addition, bringing a sweet, caramelized note to your Greek Chicken Bowls. In the summer, a sprinkle of fresh mint alongside the dill is simply divine! A friend of mine loves when I add sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor.

What to Serve With Greek Chicken Bowls

These Greek Chicken Bowls are truly a complete meal on their own, but sometimes a little something extra just makes the experience even more delightful, doesn’t it?

I love serving these bowls with a side of warm pita bread, perfect for scooping up any lingering dressing or flavorful bits at the bottom of the bowl. It adds a wonderful comforting element that reminds me of family dinners. My mom always suggests a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette if you want to add even more fresh greens to your plate. For a quick serving idea, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the couscous adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor that complements the Greek Chicken Bowls beautifully!

How to Store Greek Chicken Bowls

After all the love you put into making these Greek Chicken Bowls, you’ll want to ensure any leftovers stay just as fresh and delicious! Proper storage is key to enjoying them again.

Fridge Storage Tips

For the best results, store the chicken, quinoa, and vegetables separately from the dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the greens from getting soggy. The chicken and quinoa will last for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your Greek Chicken Bowls again, simply warm the chicken and quinoa gently, then assemble with fresh veggies and dressing. My personal tip is to always give the dressing a good stir before serving, as the flavors can settle.

Reheating for Freshness

To reheat the chicken, I like to warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. The quinoa can be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowls just before eating ensures the freshest texture and vibrant flavors remain intact, almost like you just made them!

Nutritional Benefits

These Greek Chicken Bowls are a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, they also offer fiber from the quinoa and a bounty of vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables. It’s a wonderful treat that’s full of goodness.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is wonderful, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, couscous (as suggested in the title!), or even farro in your Greek Chicken Bowls for a different texture and flavor profile.

Faq 2

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then simply warm it gently when you’re ready to assemble your Greek Chicken Bowls.

Faq 3

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Certainly! You can create a dairy-free dressing by using a plant-based yogurt alternative, or even a tahini-based dressing with lemon juice, garlic, and dill for your Greek Chicken Bowls.

Faq 4

How can I make this spicier?
For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or mix a tiny bit into the Greek yogurt dressing. It will give your Greek Chicken Bowls a lovely, subtle warmth.

Conclusion

And there you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for Weeknight Greek Chicken Bowls that I truly hope brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a wonderful reminder that with a little love and a few fresh ingredients, we can create meals that are not only delicious but also brimming with heartwarming memories. So go on, gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the scent of deliciousness, and share these vibrant Greek Chicken Bowls with those you cherish. Happy cooking, and may your days be filled with sweet moments and even sweeter treats!