Name: Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil; 2 lemons, juiced; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ tablespoon lemon zest; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Kosher salt, to taste; Kosher pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups quinoa, uncooked; 4 medium chicken breasts (2 lbs boneless and skinless, 32 ounces); 1 English cucumber, diced; 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped; 1 red onion, medium, diced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to because not only does it satisfy my hunger, but it also feels good to eat something so balanced. Plus, the combination of zesty lemon dressing, tender grilled chicken, and earthy quinoa makes it just irresistible. Stick around—I’m about to share all my secret tips to make sure your bowl turns out perfect every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced and Nutritious: This bowl delivers protein, fiber, and fresh veggies in one satisfying meal.
Zesty Homemade Dressing: The lemon-oregano marinade doubles as a dressing that elevates every bite.
Easy Prep and Flexible: Simple steps that fit into busy weeknights—you can swap ingredients without a fuss.
Flavor-packed without Fuss: Each component shines individually, yet harmonizes beautifully when combined.

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls, Greek Chicken Bowls, Healthy Quinoa Bowls, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Fresh Chicken Quinoa Dinner - A white bowl holds a colorful layered dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light beige quinoa. On top of this, sliced grilled chicken with visible char marks sits to one side. To the right of the chicken is a mix of chopped red tomatoes and small pieces of red onion. Below the tomato mix is chopped green cucumber with some purple olives scattered throughout. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled over the top of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The colors contrast well, showing fresh and healthy ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe plays a starring role—whether it’s delivering texture, flavor, or nutrition. When you pick the freshest veggies and high-quality chicken, it really shines. And trust me, using quinoa instead of rice makes a difference in both taste and how full you feel afterward.

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls, Greek Chicken Bowls, Healthy Quinoa Bowls, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Fresh Chicken Quinoa Dinner - Flat lay of a small heap of uncooked quinoa grains, four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with a natural pink tone, one whole English cucumber with deep green skin, four ripe Roma tomatoes with bright red skin, one medium red onion with smooth purple outer layers, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of dark purple kalamata olives, two whole lemons—one cut in half showing juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light amber honey, one whole garlic bulb with papery white skin beside a few minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried green oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried light green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil (or avocado oil): Provides healthy fats and helps emulsify the lemony dressing perfectly.
Lemons (juice & zest): Brightens up the whole dish with fresh acidity and zing.
Honey: Balances the tart lemon with a subtle sweetness and helps bind the marinade.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth without overpowering the freshness.
Dried oregano & dried basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that transport you straight to the Greek islands.
Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that holds flavors well and adds a lovely, fluffy texture.
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Lean and tender, they soak up the marinade like a charm.
English cucumber: Cool, crunchy contrast to the warm chicken and quinoa.
Roma tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that brighten the bowl.
Red onion: Adds just the right amount of sharpness and bite.
Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and crumbly—classic Greek flavors that tie everything together.
Kalamata olives (pitted): Briny richness that elevates the savory side of the dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe is, and I always tweak the mix depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Grilled Chicken Thighs: I once swapped the chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite, and it was delicious.
Vegetarian Version: Feel like skipping meat? Load up on roasted veggies or chickpeas instead—you won’t miss the chicken.
Extra Crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a satisfying crunch if you’re into texture contrasts.
Swappable Dressing: Maple syrup works great instead of honey, especially if you want a deeper sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the quinoa like a pro

Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water to wash away any bitterness—that’s a little trick I learned the hard way. Then, cook 1½ cups quinoa with 2 cups water and a generous pinch of salt on medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 12–15 minutes or until all water’s absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Don’t rush but keep an eye to avoid sticking; once done, fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool before assembling. This step makes sure your bowl isn’t soggy and every grain stays fluffy.

Step 2: Whip up the zesty marinade/dressing

Grab a small jar or bowl and combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies to a smooth, tangy blend. This is the magic sauce that brightens the chicken and later, the whole bowl. Remember to save about two-thirds for drizzling over the finished bowls—you don’t want to miss that extra pop of flavor!

Step 3: Marinate and grill the chicken

Pour roughly one-third of your dressing onto the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or sealable bag and toss until well coated. Reserve the rest for serving—it’s crucial you keep that separate from raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Heat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken about 6–8 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F (I use a meat thermometer to nail it every time). Avoid overcooking—it’ll toughen the meat, and nobody wants that! Once done, let your chicken rest a few minutes before slicing for juicy, flavorful results.

Step 4: Assemble your bowls

Divide your cooled quinoa evenly into four bowls. Top with grilled chicken slices, diced English cucumber, Roma tomatoes, and red onion. Sprinkle over crumbled feta and kalamata olives. Drizzle the remaining dressing generously on top for that final burst of Mediterranean goodness. Take a moment to appreciate your colorful masterpiece—bonus points if you snap a photo before digging in!

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Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe

Rinse Quinoa Well: It removes natural bitterness for a cleaner taste and fluffier texture.
Marinate Chicken for at Least 30 Minutes: This lets the flavors really sink in, even if you’re in a rush.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check that perfect 165°F internal temp every time.
Keep Dressing Separate from Raw Chicken: Reserve some dressing untouched to drizzle at serving—this keeps the dish safe and tasty.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls, Greek Chicken Bowls, Healthy Quinoa Bowls, Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, Fresh Chicken Quinoa Dinner - The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful healthy dish. At the center, there are four thick slices of grilled chicken with brown grill marks and a light golden color. Surrounding the chicken are four different sections: diced green cucumber mixed with black olives and crumbled white cheese, chopped red tomatoes mixed with small pieces of red onion and black olives, white crumbled cheese, and a base of light beige quinoa. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Whenever I serve these bowls, I like to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or dill on top for a bright green pop and fresh herb flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a little drizzle of tzatziki sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt to cool things down and add creaminess—it really rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

To keep it super authentic and balanced, I often pair this with warm pita bread on the side or a simple mediterranean salad with olives, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. Roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini work great for a cozy, veggie-packed addition too.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun time, I served the Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe in individual mason jars layered beautifully for a picnic. It looked stunning and was super convenient to grab and eat outdoors. For dinner parties, I arrange the ingredients buffet-style and let guests build their own bowls—it’s interactive and always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge—separating the grilled chicken, quinoa, veggies, and dressing if possible. This keeps everything fresher for up to four days. Re-mix the components when ready to eat so no textures get soggy.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze the whole assembled bowl because the veggies and feta don’t thaw well, the marinated grilled chicken freezes beautifully. Just pop it in freezer-safe containers, then thaw in the fridge before reheating and combining with fresh quinoa and veggies.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the grilled chicken and quinoa gently in the microwave or a skillet—avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy. Then add fresh or leftover raw veggies and a drizzle of the preserved dressing right before serving for a fresh finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative that will give you juicier, more flavorful meat. Just keep the cooking time roughly the same, and check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Is quinoa necessary, or can I substitute another grain?

Quinoa is fantastic here because of its protein content and nutty flavor, but feel free to swap it with couscous, bulgur, or brown rice if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How long does the marinade stay fresh?

The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good shake before using, as the oil and lemon juice may separate.
Can I meal prep this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe for the week?

Definitely! Just store all components separately—keep the dressing away from the chicken and veggies until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess. This keeps everything tasting fresh throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen—it’s reliable, bright, and downright delicious. I love that it’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but beautiful enough to impress guests. You’ll enjoy how quick it is to throw together and how fresh the flavors stay even as leftovers. So next time you’re looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl!