🥙 Ultimate Greek Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki & Olives
Serves
4 people | Prep time: 25 min | Cook time: 25 min | Total: ~50 min
🧂 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
1.5 lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for color)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Rice
1 ½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
2 ¾ cups chicken broth (or water + ½ tsp salt)
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
For the Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
½ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or mint)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl Toppings
½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ English cucumber, diced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Optional: sliced avocado, roasted red peppers
🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. Cook the Rice
Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot, add rice, and stir for 1 minute.
Add broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and stir in lemon zest and dill/parsley.
3. Cook the Chicken
Grill, pan-sear, or bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Grill: 5–6 min per side
Pan: 6–7 min per side over medium heat
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
4. Make the Tzatziki
Combine yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Add a scoop of lemon rice to each bowl.
Top with sliced chicken, cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, and feta.
Drizzle generously with tzatziki and garnish with herbs.
🍋 Optional Add-Ons
Add roasted chickpeas or hummus for extra protein & texture.
Substitute quinoa for rice for a lighter, high-protein option.
Add pickled onions for tanginess.
⚡ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 580 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbs: 50 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g
