Name: Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinade); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder; 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano; 1/2 tablespoon marjoram; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (210 grams); 1 1/2 cups diced cucumbers (215 grams); 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved (70 grams); 1/2 cup diced red onion (45 grams); 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup white rice; 2 packed tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped; 2 packed tablespoons dill, roughly chopped; 1 packed tablespoon chives, roughly chopped; 1 packed tablespoon basil, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce; 8 packed cups chopped romaine (430 grams); Fresh herbs and lemon juice, for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness, this Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, herb-marinated chicken thighs paired with zesty rice, fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce—all nestled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. This dish is balanced, colorful, and so satisfying, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your culinary rotation!

The image shows a bowl with four main layers: at the bottom, there is a bed of green lettuce with a fresh texture; on one side, there is a mixture of halved red cherry tomatoes, dark purple olives, cucumber slices, and small pieces of purple onion, all mixed together; next to that, there are two bright yellow lemon wedges resting on white rice mixed with green herbs; on top of the rice and lettuce, there are sliced brown grilled chicken pieces sprinkled with white crumbled cheese and small green herb leaves; a dollop of creamy white sauce with green herbs sits on the lettuce beside the chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring a harmony of flavors, textures, and freshness to your bowl. From tangy lemon juice and fragrant oregano to crisp vegetables and juicy chicken thighs, these elements come together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

1 pound chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for marinating and grilling or searing.
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, zesty note that livens up every bite.
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder: Offers robust savory depth without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tablespoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses the chicken with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
1/2 tablespoon marjoram: Adds a subtle, sweet herbal aroma that complements oregano perfectly.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (210 grams): Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the savory elements.
1 1/2 cups diced cucumbers (215 grams): Brings a refreshing crunch to the salad mix.
1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved (70 grams): Offers salty, tangy bursts that elevate the bowl.
1/2 cup diced red onion (45 grams): Adds a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Gives a subtle tartness to the tomato-cucumber salad.
1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Helps marry the salad flavors and adds body.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the salad with citrusy freshness.
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Sprinkles in more depth of traditional herb flavor.
1 cup white rice: The comforting, fluffy base of the bowl that ties everything together.
2 packed tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and clean herbal notes.
2 packed tablespoons dill, roughly chopped: Dill brings its characteristic sweet, tangy punch.
1 packed tablespoon chives, roughly chopped: Gentle onion flavor that enhances the rice.
1 packed tablespoon basil, roughly chopped: Sweet and aromatic, it lifts the whole rice mixture.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Added to the herbs and rice for catch-your-breath brightness.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning that rounds out the fragrant herb rice.
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and cooling—the perfect finish for your chicken bowl.
8 packed cups chopped romaine (430 grams): Crisp, fresh, and sturdy greens that provide the perfect bed for all the toppings.
For topping – fresh herbs, lemon: A splash of lemon and some herbs can add an extra wow factor.

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken thighs to infuse them with those signature Mediterranean flavors. Toss the chicken with one tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried oregano, marjoram, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let it rest in the fridge for about one to two hours. This step is crucial to tenderize and flavor the meat without letting the lemon juice break down the chicken too much, so don’t marinate longer than two hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato and Cucumber Salad

While the chicken is soaking in those gorgeous flavors, mix together halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, kalamata olives, and red onion. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into this fresh salad for a tangy, crunchy side. Let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the bowls so all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Herb-Infused Rice

Cook your white rice following the package instructions, then fluff it up with a fork and stir in freshly chopped parsley, dill, chives, basil, plus a splash of lemon juice and seasoning. The fragrant herb rice adds a delightful, fresh layer that’s light and aromatic—making each spoonful taste like a sunny Greek day.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, so they brown nicely. Cook for about 10 minutes on one side and then flip for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining. Remove the thighs and let them rest for a couple of minutes before slicing into bite-size pieces that will be perfect for your bowls.

Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

Now for the fun part! Distribute chopped romaine lettuce evenly into four bowls as the fresh base. Add a scoop of the herby rice, followed by the chilled tomato-cucumber salad, and top with juicy chicken pieces. Don’t forget to dollop creamy tzatziki sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Every element shines individually but tastes incredible when brought together.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe

Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and basil sprinkled on top add vibrant color and a burst of freshness. A little extra squeeze of lemon juice just before eating really wakes everything up and ties the dish together beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bowls are wonderfully filling on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving with warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad with feta and cucumbers to keep the vibes Mediterranean all around.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing spread, set out all the components in separate bowls so guests can assemble their own Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe exactly how they want. It’s fun, interactive, and makes for a beautiful, colorful table. You could also serve everything layered in large glass jars for a pretty, portable lunch option that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken, rice, salad, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep textures and flavors fresh and prevents sogginess when reheating or assembling again.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken thighs but avoid freezing the tomato cucumber salad and fresh herbs—they do best fresh. When freezing chicken, wrap tightly in freezer-proof packaging for best results, and use within two months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep things moist. Toss the salad fresh before serving and add tzatziki just before eating to preserve its creaminess and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs tend to stay juicier and offer more flavor, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time closely, so they don’t dry out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use plain rice and check that your tzatziki sauce and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten additives.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Sure thing! Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted chickpeas to keep that hearty protein element without meat.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least one hour but no longer than two hours to avoid the lemon juice breaking down the texture of the chicken too much.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The rice and tomato-cucumber salad can be made a day ahead and stored separately in the fridge, making assembling the bowls on busy nights quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe. It brings so many fresh, vibrant tastes together in a way that feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or impressing friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles and full bellies. Give it a try—you’ll be making it again in no time!