Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Greek chicken bowls, a perfect dish that marries the tanginess of feta cheese with the savory flavors of marinated chicken. This vibrant bowl is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. With fresh vegetables, protein-rich chicken, and a zesty dressing, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately 450 calories, 30g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. This is a great option for a balanced meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
- Drizzle with a little more olive oil and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Assemble the bowls by placing the quinoa salad at the bottom.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with feta cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Quinoa can be replaced with brown rice or couscous, and feta can be swapped for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Serving and Pairings
These Greek chicken bowls pair beautifully with a side of tzatziki sauce or pita bread. A light Greek salad or roasted vegetables would also complement this dish well.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Not letting the chicken rest after cooking can result in juices running out when sliced.
- Using too much salt in the marinade can overpower the dish; season lightly.
- Forgetting to rinse quinoa can lead to a bitter taste due to the saponins.
- Skipping the marination process can result in less flavorful chicken.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables.
- Use a grill pan for beautiful grill marks if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
- Try adding a dollop of hummus for extra creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and quinoa in advance. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free quinoa and check your feta cheese packaging for any gluten content.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can substitute with vinegar or skip it entirely, but the dish may lack some tanginess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinade to the chicken for an added kick.
Conclusion
Greek chicken bowls are a delightful and healthy meal option that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired bowl for a satisfying lunch or dinner!
Greek Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, about 15 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest before slicing.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, mixing well.
- Assemble the bowls with quinoa salad at the bottom.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with feta cheese.
