Greek Lemon Chicken Bowls with Quinoa & Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

These Greek Lemon Chicken Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender, lemon-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa and a refreshing tzatziki sauce, making for a wholesome and satisfying dish.

A white bowl with five main layers: a bottom layer of light beige quinoa grains, on top of which sits a dollop of creamy white and green herbed yogurt sauce on the right side; next to it on the far right, fresh cucumber slices with bright green skin and light green inside, sprinkled with spices; above the quinoa in the center, several pieces of golden brown grilled chicken with darker char marks garnished with green dill; to the left of the chicken, rings of thin purple-red onion; and on the far left, roasted red and yellow cherry tomato halves. A bright yellow lemon wedge rests on the bottom left edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a rustic wooden board, shown on a white marbled surface in soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Dice cucumber, tomato, and red onion, then mix them together in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: To assemble the bowls, place a serving of quinoa as the base. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it on top. Add the veggie mix, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and finish with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the chicken marinade.
  • Swap quinoa for brown rice or couscous if preferred.
  • Use homemade tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill for a fresh sauce.
  • Add Kalamata olives or roasted red peppers for more Mediterranean flair.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and quinoa gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add fresh veggies and tzatziki after reheating to keep the textures bright.

How to Serve

A round white bowl holds a vibrant Mediterranean dish with five main layers arranged side by side. At the bottom layer, there is a bed of light beige quinoa with a fluffy texture. On top of the quinoa sits a creamy dollop of white yogurt sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs, slightly sprinkled with red spices. Next to the sauce, crispy grilled chicken pieces with a dark char and deep golden brown color are laid down, garnished with fresh sprigs of green dill. To the right of the chicken, sliced green cucumbers with a glossy texture are arranged, some pieces showing a light sprinkle of spices and dill. On the left side, there are fresh, thinly sliced red onions with a slight sheen, layered next to roasted cherry tomatoes in bright red and yellow hues, offering a soft and wrinkled texture. A bright yellow lemon wedge rests on the quinoa near the front edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it necessary to rinse quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa removes its natural bitter coating, called saponin, which improves the taste. It’s recommended but not mandatory if your quinoa is pre-rinsed.

Print

Greek Lemon Chicken Bowls with Quinoa & Tzatziki Recipe

Delicious and healthy Greek Lemon Chicken Bowls featuring tender marinated chicken breasts served over fluffy quinoa, topped with fresh diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, crumbled feta, and creamy tzatziki sauce. A perfect balanced meal with bright Mediterranean flavors, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

For the Veggie Mix and Toppings:

  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup diced tomato
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well with the marinade. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
  4. Prepare the Veggie Mix: Dice cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Combine them in a bowl and mix gently to combine.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Place a portion of cooked quinoa at the base of each bowl. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange on top. Add the fresh veggie mix, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor further.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth for cooking quinoa to add extra flavor without too much salt.
  • Tzatziki can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
  • For a gluten-free meal, ensure the tzatziki and broth are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftover chicken and quinoa store well and can be reheated for quick meals.

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken, quinoa bowl, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken bowl, easy dinner, low fat recipe

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