Let me tell you, this Greek chicken quinoa bowl is one of my absolute favorites! It’s not only packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, but it’s also super healthy. I love how the juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy feta come together with the nutty quinoa to create a dish that feels like a celebration in every bite. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or serving it to friends, this bowl never disappoints. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that makes me feel good inside and out. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Greek chicken quinoa bowl! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa: Rinse this under cold water to remove any bitterness before cooking.
- 2 cups water: This will help cook the quinoa to fluffy perfection.
- 2 chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and slicing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To keep the chicken moist and add a lovely flavor.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Dried oregano brings that classic Greek taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and quinoa.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: A dash of pepper for a bit of heat.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: For a burst of freshness.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Adds crunch and hydration.
- 1/2 red onion, diced: For a sharp yet sweet flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The creamy, salty finish that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted: For that briny, rich taste.
- 1 lemon, juiced: A splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish!
How to Prepare Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Getting this Greek chicken quinoa bowl ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a healthy, delicious meal in no time. Trust me; the combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!
Cooking the Quinoa
First things first, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps wash away any bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed—so satisfying!
Preparing the Chicken
While the quinoa cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with oregano, salt, and pepper—don’t be shy! Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into juicy strips.
Combining the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, and kalamata olives. Gently toss everything to combine, then top it with the sliced chicken. Drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the top for a pop of flavor. Wow, it looks gorgeous!
Tips for Success
To make your Greek chicken quinoa bowl truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa; it really does make a difference in flavor. If you want a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix for the chicken. For a more vibrant veggie medley, feel free to toss in bell peppers or spinach. And remember, letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain its juiciness—trust me, you’ll taste the difference! Lastly, if you’re meal prepping, store the ingredients separately until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Variations of Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are so many fun variations for this Greek chicken quinoa bowl! Try swapping out the chicken for grilled shrimp or even chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. For veggies, you could add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some sautéed zucchini for an extra twist. Want more greens? Spinach or arugula makes a great addition! And if you’re a fan of spices, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top for that creamy, herby flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information for Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This Greek chicken quinoa bowl is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving is estimated to contain about 450 calories, with 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It also has 3g of sugar and 6g of fiber, making it a wholesome meal option. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy the goodness!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about this Greek chicken quinoa bowl, so let’s dive into a few common ones!
Can I make this quinoa bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quinoa and chicken in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and enjoy!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is! The Greek chicken quinoa bowl is naturally gluten-free, thanks to quinoa being a great alternative to traditional grains.
Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
Definitely! If you want a vegetarian option, chickpeas or grilled tofu are fantastic substitutes. They still give you that hearty feel without the meat.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it vegan.
How long does this Greek chicken quinoa bowl last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last about 3-4 days. Just keep the ingredients separate until serving for the freshest taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy dish packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
- Bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors that make every bite a delight.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Customizable to suit your taste—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Gluten-free and wholesome, making it a great choice for everyone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Greek chicken quinoa bowl is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating the quinoa and chicken in the microwave. Just cover it loosely to avoid splatter and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer, you can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy the deliciousness again!
Mediterranean quinoa salad is a great side dish to pair with this recipe.
Creamy garlic parmesan pasta can also complement the flavors beautifully.
Healthy chicken bowls are another option for meal prep that you might enjoy!
Print
Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl: 5 Vibrant Flavorful Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Healthy Greek chicken quinoa bowl packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until done.
- Let chicken rest, then slice it.
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, and olives.
- Top with sliced chicken and drizzle lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Quinoa can be pre-cooked for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: greek chicken quinoa bowl
