Greek-Style Chicken Bowl with Feta, Tzatziki & Pickled Onion
This Greek-Style Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, nourishing dish layered with herby grilled chicken, fluffy rice or grains, tangy pickled onions, creamy tzatziki, and a fresh mix of Mediterranean toppings like cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta. It’s a flavor-packed, colorful bowl perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner—balanced, satisfying, and ready in under 45 minutes!
Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Pickling Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ avocado, sliced (optional)
Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
For the Tzatziki:
½ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Quick Pickled Onions:
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup vinegar (white, red wine, or apple cider)
½ cup hot water
½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Pickle the Onions (Optional but Recommended):
In a small bowl or jar, mix vinegar, hot water, sugar, and salt.
Add sliced red onions and let sit for at least 15–30 minutes while you prep everything else.
Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate 10–15 minutes (or longer in the fridge).
Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Rest, then slice or dice.
Make the Tzatziki:
Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, layer cooked grains as a base.
Top with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, pickled onions, and feta.
Add avocado and fresh herbs if desired.
Drizzle or dollop tzatziki on top.
Serve:
Serve immediately or pack for meal prep. These bowls keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge (store tzatziki separately).
Tips for Best Results
Marinate Chicken in Advance:
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) will infuse it with even more flavor and tenderness.
Use Hot Water for Quick Pickling:
Use hot (not boiling) water to speed up the pickling process for onions—15–30 minutes is enough for quick, flavorful results.
Press Cucumber for Tzatziki:
After grating the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel or cheesecloth to keep your tzatziki thick and creamy.
Batch Cook the Chicken:
Grill or pan-cook extra chicken to use in wraps, salads, or more bowls throughout the week.
Layer Wisely for Meal Prep:
If prepping ahead, place tzatziki and wet ingredients in a separate container or layer them on top to prevent soggy grains.
Warm or Cold? Your Choice:
Serve with warm grilled chicken and grains or enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad-style bowl—it works both ways!
Tasty Variations to Try
Swap the Protein:
Try grilled lamb, beef kofta, shrimp, chickpeas, or falafel for a different twist.
Change the Grain Base:
Use orzo, farro, cauliflower rice (for low carb), bulgur, or a greens base like baby spinach or arugula.
Add Roasted Veggies:
Include roasted bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for more texture and nutrition.
Try a Hummus Base:
Spread hummus at the bottom of the bowl instead of using tzatziki on top—or use both for a creamy combo!
Vegan Version:
Use grilled tofu or chickpeas, plant-based yogurt for tzatziki, and vegan feta or omit cheese entirely.
Spice It Up:
Add a drizzle of harissa, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, or serve with a side of spicy hummus.
Wrap It Up:
Turn your bowl into a wrap using pita or flatbread—great for lunches or on-the-go meals!
Q&A – Greek Chicken Bowl
Q: Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Store the chicken, grains, and veggies in one container, and keep tzatziki and pickled onions separate until ready to serve.
Q: How long do pickled onions last?
Quick-pickled onions keep well in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed container—perfect for adding to salads, wraps, and bowls all week long.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Definitely! While homemade tzatziki is fresh and easy, store-bought saves time and still adds great flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Grilling or pan-searing gives the best flavor and texture, but you can also bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or air-fry for about 12–14 minutes.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa, and double-check your tzatziki and seasonings for hidden gluten.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving – Serves 4)
Calories: 470 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 560mg
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 12% DV
Vitamin A: 18% DV
Vitamin C: 22% DV
Note: Nutrition may vary based on grain type, add-ins, and exact ingredient amounts.
Conclusion
The Greek-Style Chicken Bowl is a wholesome, flavorful way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and customizable. With juicy herbed chicken, crunchy fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and bold accents like pickled onions and feta, each bite is bursting with balance and brightness.
Whether served warm for dinner or prepped cold for weekday lunches, this bowl is as nourishing as it is delicious. Plus, with endless ways to switch it up, it’s a recipe you’ll never get bored of. A must-try for Mediterranean food lovers and healthy meal preppers alike!