Greek Chicken Grain Bowl
Highlighted under: World Cuisine
A delicious and nutritious Greek chicken grain bowl that combines tender grilled chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains, perfect for a healthy meal.
This Greek chicken grain bowl is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. With juicy grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a wholesome grain base, it's a meal that satisfies both the palate and the body.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh and vibrant flavors that brighten up your day
- Packed with protein and healthy grains for a balanced meal
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
The Health Benefits of a Grain Bowl
Grain bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. By using whole grains like quinoa or brown rice as a base, you are incorporating essential nutrients into your meal. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Brown rice, on the other hand, is a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
In addition to the grains, this Greek Chicken Grain Bowl is loaded with colorful vegetables, each bringing its own unique set of vitamins and minerals. For instance, cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to numerous health benefits, including heart health and cancer prevention. Cucumbers add hydration and crunch, while red onions provide anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish not just tasty but also a powerhouse of nutrition.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best features of this Greek Chicken Grain Bowl is its versatility and suitability for meal prep. Preparing meals in advance can save you time during busy weeks, and this grain bowl is perfect for that. You can grill a batch of chicken and cook a large pot of quinoa or brown rice at the beginning of the week, then assemble your bowls as needed. This not only ensures you have a healthy option on hand but also allows you to mix and match ingredients based on your cravings.
To keep your grain bowl fresh, store the components separately in airtight containers. This way, you can maintain the textures of the ingredients and avoid sogginess. When you're ready to eat, simply combine the components, drizzle with the dressing, and enjoy a nutritious meal in minutes!
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the highlights of this Greek Chicken Grain Bowl is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal taste. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, try substituting it with goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option. You can also add or replace the vegetables based on what you have on hand. For example, bell peppers, spinach, or roasted zucchini would all make excellent additions.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different dressings. While the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing complements the flavors beautifully, a tahini dressing or a yogurt-based sauce could add a different dimension to your bowl. This adaptability not only keeps your meals exciting but also allows you to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grain Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and match your favorite vegetables and grains to make this bowl your own!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowl
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or brown rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
Add Chicken
Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the grain bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips for Grilling Chicken
Grilling chicken can sometimes be tricky, but with the right techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time. First, make sure to preheat your grill or grill pan adequately; this helps to sear the chicken and lock in moisture. It's also essential to avoid moving the chicken too frequently while it's cooking; letting it sit undisturbed allows for those beautiful grill marks and even cooking.
Another tip is to let your chicken rest after grilling. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each slice is tender and flavorful. If you cut into it immediately, you risk losing those flavorful juices to the cutting board.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Greek Chicken Grain Bowl, you'll be pleased to know that they store well! Make sure to let all components cool down to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, while the grains and vegetables will generally last for about 3 days.
When reheating, consider doing so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also enjoy the leftovers cold as a refreshing salad. Just drizzle with a bit more dressing, and you've got a quick and easy lunch or dinner ready to go!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this bowl in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just assemble the bowl when you're ready to eat.
→ What can I substitute for quinoa?
You can use brown rice, farro, or couscous as alternatives to quinoa.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice, this recipe is gluten-free.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or avocado.
Greek Chicken Grain Bowl
A delicious and nutritious Greek chicken grain bowl that combines tender grilled chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables and whole grains, perfect for a healthy meal.
Created by: Lara
Recipe Type: World Cuisine
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grain Bowl
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa or brown rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the grain bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g