Greek Chicken Bowls with Zesty Lemon-Dill Sauce

Name: Greek Chicken Bowls with Zesty Lemon-Dill Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 English cucumber, diced (about 2 cups); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups); 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ red onion, finely diced; ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 6 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional); ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon honey (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

18 de May de 2025

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Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

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Ever wondered how to pack all the vibrant flavors of Greece into one satisfying meal? Look no further than these Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce! This recipe delivers all the Mediterranean magic you crave with tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a tangy yogurt sauce that ties everything together perfectly. What makes this dish truly special is how it balances fresh, bright flavors with hearty satisfaction in every bite.

These easy Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal you can make right at home. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or impressing dinner guests, this versatile recipe delivers exceptional results every time.

The Best Reasons to Try This Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

Incredibly flavorful yet simple – The marinade uses just a handful of ingredients but creates deeply seasoned, succulent chicken
Ready in under 30 minutes once your chicken is marinated – perfect for busy weeknights
Customizable to your preferences – easily adjust components based on what you have available
Meal-prep friendly – components can be prepared ahead for quick assembly throughout the week
Naturally balanced nutrition – protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and fresh vegetables in one bowl

With this foolproof Greek Chicken Bowls recipe, you’ll master how to make restaurant-quality Mediterranean bowls at home with minimal effort. The lemon-dill yogurt sauce alone will become your new secret weapon in the kitchen!

What You Need to Make Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

To create these perfect Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce, gather these key components: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cooked rice, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.

For substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier results, quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for different dietary needs, and dairy-free yogurt works perfectly for the sauce if you’re avoiding dairy. Can’t find fresh dill? Dried works in a pinch (use 1/3 the amount), or substitute with fresh mint for a different flavor profile.

Easy and delicious homemade Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce recipe ready to enjoy - complete with ingredients list and step-by-step cooking instructions

Step-by-Step How-To Guide

For the Chicken Marinade:

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that enhances all the flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Add 1.5 pounds chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat completely. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Tip: If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will impart good flavor, just make small cuts in the chicken to help the marinade penetrate faster.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Tip: The resting period is critical for juicy chicken as it allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

For the Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce:

Step 4: Mix the sauce ingredients

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use. Tip: Make this sauce up to 2 days ahead for even better flavor as the ingredients meld together.

To Assemble the Bowls:

Step 5: Prepare your base

Start with 1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked rice in each bowl. For extra flavor, cook your rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water and add a squeeze of lemon juice after cooking.

Step 6: Add vegetables and protein

Top with sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and the sliced chicken. Tip: For the best presentation, group each ingredient separately around the bowl rather than mixing them together.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, drizzle with the lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and garnish with additional fresh dill and a lemon wedge. Add a light drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of oregano for an authentic final touch.

Nutritional Info Snapshot

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 35g (excellent source of lean protein)
Carbs: 30g (primarily from whole grain rice and vegetables)
Fat: 20g (mostly healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and olives)

Health Benefits: These Greek Chicken Bowls are rich in protein for muscle maintenance, packed with fiber from vegetables for digestive health, and loaded with antioxidants from fresh herbs and vegetables. The yogurt sauce provides probiotics for gut health and calcium for bone strength. This balanced meal fits well into Mediterranean diet patterns, consistently rated among the healthiest eating styles globally.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the yogurt sauce in its own container and the fresh vegetables separate from the chicken and rice for best quality.

Freezer Storage: The marinated (uncooked) chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked chicken and rice can be frozen together for up to 2 months. The yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables do not freeze well.

Reheating Methods:

Microwave: Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe container, add 1 tablespoon water, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop: For best texture, reheat chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until hot (about 5 minutes).
Meal Prep Tip: When making for meal prep, slightly undercook the chicken so it doesn’t dry out when reheated.

Top FAQs About Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

Can I prepare Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is an excellent meal prep recipe. Marinate and cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, and chop vegetables up to 3 days in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before serving. The yogurt sauce actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator as the ingredients meld together.

How can I make these Greek Chicken Bowls vegetarian?

For a delicious vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu. Simply toss chickpeas in the same marinade ingredients, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy. You’ll still get plenty of protein and all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors.

Can I use another grain instead of rice for the base?

Definitely! Quinoa makes an excellent protein-rich alternative, or try bulgur wheat or farro for a delicious nutty flavor. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens instead. The versatile toppings work beautifully with any base you prefer.

How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat level?

The standard recipe is very mild with no significant heat. To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade (start with 1/4 teaspoon) or add a pinch of cayenne to the yogurt sauce. For a different kind of heat, try adding thinly sliced jalapeños as a topping.

Wrapping It Up: Final Tips

These Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of tender, herb-marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible tangy yogurt sauce creates a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

What makes this recipe truly special is its flexibility – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for busy days, or entertaining friends with an impressive yet effortless spread. The components can be customized to your preferences while maintaining that authentic Greek flavor profile.

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your weekly rotation! If you try these Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce, we’d love to hear how you customized them in the comments. Share your creation on social media or pin this recipe to your favorite board to spread the Mediterranean magic!

Enjoy making your own homemade Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce anytime – they’re guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands!