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Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki, high protein dinner recipes easy
Brittany Stage

Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki

Lemon-herb marinated chicken served over rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki. A filling, high protein dinner that comes together in about 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts or boneless skinless thighs breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice or farro dry, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber sliced into half-moons
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup tzatziki store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped, for serving

Equipment

  • large skillet or sheet pan
  • meat mallet or rolling pin
  • mixing bowl
  • instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. If using chicken breasts, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. This helps them cook evenly so the thin end does not dry out before the thick center is done.
  2. In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Let it marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  3. While the chicken marinates, cook your rice or farro according to the package directions. Season the cooked grain with a small pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then set aside covered to stay warm.
  4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it in the skillet. Cook without moving it for 5 to 6 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook another 5 to 7 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees F. If the pan gets too dark, lower the heat slightly. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Divide the rice or farro among four bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Spoon a generous dollop of tzatziki over the top and finish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

The marinated chicken keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days cooked, making this a great meal prep option. Sheet pan method: roast marinated chicken at 425 degrees F for 20 to 22 minutes instead of using the skillet.