Description
Easy Homemade Greek Chicken Bowls Dinner brings vibrant flavors to your table. Tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki make a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Creamy Tzatziki:
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Bowl Components:
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice (or pita bread for serving)
- Garnish & Freshness:
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: First things first, let’s get that chicken soaking up all the good stuff. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken thighs, tossing to coat them completely. I usually use my hands here, it just feels right. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours if you’ve got the time. Honestly, the longer it marinates, the more flavor you’ll get in your chicken. I once skipped this step to save time, and while it was okay, it lacked that deep, zesty punch!
- Prepare the Tzatziki: While the chicken is marinating, let’s whip up that creamy, dreamy tzatziki. Grate your cucumber and, this is important, squeeze out as much water as you possibly can! I use a clean kitchen towel for this, really wringing it out. Then, in a small bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until it’s beautifully combined. Taste it! Adjust seasonings if needed. I always taste mine a few times; you want that perfect balance. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Don’t be shy with the dill, it makes all the difference!
- Cook the Chicken: When you’re ready to cook, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken thighs. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You want a nice char, that’s flavor! Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. I usually do this in batches. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting step is crucial for juicy chicken, trust me!
- Assemble Your Bowls: Now for the fun part: building your Easy Homemade Greek Chicken Bowls Dinner! Grab your favorite bowls. Start with a base of cooked quinoa or rice, or even fresh greens if you prefer. Layer on your sliced Greek chicken. Arrange slices of red onion, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives around the chicken. This is where you get to be a little artistic, honestly. I love seeing all the vibrant colors together. Sometimes I add a few extra cucumber slices too, for more crunch.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Dollop a generous spoonful (or two, no judgment!) of that creamy homemade tzatziki over the chicken and veggies. This is where the magic really happens, the smell is just incredible! Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over everything. Then, sprinkle with more fresh dill and parsley. A final squeeze of lemon juice never hurts either. I sometimes forget the fresh herbs, but when I remember, it just elevates the whole dish. Don’t be like me, remember the herbs!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Easy Homemade Greek Chicken Bowls Dinner immediately, while everything is still warm and fresh. If you’re using pita bread, warm it up slightly and serve it on the side for scooping up all that deliciousness. Take a moment to admire your creation – it looks so vibrant and smells absolutely amazing! This dish always brings a smile to my face, it’s just so satisfying and feels so fresh. It’s a dinner that makes you feel good from the inside out.