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Flavorful Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls Easy Healthy Recipe with Creamy Tzatziki

Greek chicken meal prep bowls - featured image

A simple and authentic Greek chicken meal prep bowl featuring juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy homemade tzatziki, perfect for quick and healthy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for marinade)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (for marinade)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat
  • 1 medium cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (for tzatziki)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
  2. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours.
  3. Grate one medium cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh strainer or clean towel.
  4. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  6. Cook 1 cup uncooked brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions to yield about 2 cups cooked. Fluff with a fork.
  7. Assemble bowls by layering cooked grains, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives. Slice cooked chicken and place on top.
  8. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint.
  9. Optionally drizzle extra olive oil or squeeze fresh lemon over the bowls before serving or storing.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid texture changes. Squeeze grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead to enhance flavors. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For dairy-free tzatziki, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and drain cucumber thoroughly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, meal prep, tzatziki, healthy recipe, Mediterranean, chicken bowls, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option