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Greek chicken with fresh veggies

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, cooked until tender. Served with a bed of rice or quinoa, it’s accompanied by fresh grape tomatoes, shredded romaine, diced cucumbers, and sliced red onions. Creamy feta adds a salty tang, while a homemade tzatziki sauce—made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill—brings refreshing flavor. The chicken rests before slicing to retain its juices, resulting in a vibrant, balanced bowl that combines bright citrus and herbaceous notes with cool, creamy elements.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:06:23 GMT
A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. Save
A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. | foodiffy.com

Greek chicken bowls are my favorite for a fresh and filling weeknight meal that feels vibrant and wholesome. This recipe brings together juicy marinated chicken with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I first made this after craving Mediterranean flavors but wanting something quick and easy. It quickly became a staple whenever I want a healthy but satisfying bowl dinner.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: provide lean protein and benefit from pounding to cook evenly and absorb marinade better
  • Olive oil: is essential both in the marinade and tzatziki for richness and to help flavors meld
  • Lemon juice: adds brightness and tenderizes chicken; look for fresh lemons for the best zing
  • Cooked rice or quinoa: adds a hearty base; quinoa is great for extra protein and texture
  • Grape tomatoes and diced cucumber: bring fresh juiciness and crunch—choose firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers
  • Shredded romaine: adds a refreshing leafy crunch
  • Red onion slices: give a mild sharpness that complements the creamy feta cheese
  • Feta: provides salty tang and creaminess; pick a quality block for better texture
  • Tzatziki sauce: made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill adds cooling herbal notes that balance the savory chicken

Instructions

Build The Marinade:
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined. This mixture tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with classic Mediterranean seasonings.
Prepare The Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness which ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. Coat well in marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to an hour for maximum flavor.
Make The Tzatziki:
Grate a cucumber and squeeze out excess water to prevent watery sauce. Mix with Greek yogurt, a splash of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and chopped fresh dill. Let chill so the flavors meld beautifully.
Cook The Base:
Prepare rice or quinoa separately according to package instructions. Fluff and keep warm.
Cook The Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the marinated chicken for about 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken rest before slicing thinly to retain juices.
Assemble The Bowls:
Start with a base of rice or quinoa then layer shredded romaine, halved grape tomatoes, cucumber, sliced red onion, and feta cheese. Top with sliced chicken and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. | foodiffy.com

Storage Tips: Store leftover components separately to keep textures fresh—chicken in an airtight container, veggies wrapped crisp, and tzatziki in a small jar. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in the oven or air fryer to avoid drying out. Add fresh toppings when ready to serve.

Ingredient Swaps

Use chicken thighs for a richer, more tender meat option that holds up well in marinades. Replace quinoa with couscous or bulgur for different grain textures. Swap feta for goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version. Add chopped olives or pepperoncini for more briny flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve with warm pita bread on the side for scooping. Add a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra brightness. Pair with a simple Greek salad or roasted veggies for a fuller meal.

Seasonal Twists

In summer add fresh chopped mint to the tzatziki for extra freshness. In cooler months swap cucumber for roasted zucchini or bell peppers for warmth. Use baby spinach or arugula instead of romaine for different greens.

A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
A bowl of Greek chicken salad with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and feta cheese. | foodiffy.com

This recipe balances fresh flavors and simple prep, making it a reliable go-to for Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for tender, flavorful meat.

→ Can I cook the chicken without an air fryer?

Yes, grilling or baking the chicken at 380°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F works well for juicy results.

→ How do I make the tzatziki sauce?

Combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and fresh dill for a cool, creamy sauce.

→ What grains work well as the base for this dish?

Cooked rice or quinoa provide a fluffy, nutty base that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and chicken.

→ How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.

Greek chicken with tzatziki

Marinated chicken served atop fluffy rice or quinoa with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Preparation Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: Greek

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Protein

01 4 small chicken breasts (approximately 570 grams)

→ Marinade

02 60 ml olive oil
03 30 ml lemon juice
04 5 ml honey
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
08 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 Pinch of red pepper flakes

→ Grains

11 480 ml cooked rice or quinoa

→ Vegetables

12 300 grams halved grape tomatoes
13 300 grams diced cucumber
14 120 grams shredded romaine lettuce
15 130 grams sliced red onion

→ Dairy

16 120 grams feta cheese
17 Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, fresh dill)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.

Step 02

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Immerse chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step 03

Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh chopped dill in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving.

Step 04

Prepare rice or quinoa according to package instructions. While grains cook, chop tomatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, and red onion.

Step 05

Preheat air fryer to 193°C (380°F). Cook marinated chicken for approximately 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Step 06

Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing. Distribute cooked grains into bowls, top with vegetables, sliced chicken, feta cheese, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures even cooking and tender texture.

Necessary Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Meat mallet

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, feta cheese)

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 520
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 38 g