These Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce are a flavorful and healthy meal that brings together the best of Mediterranean ingredients. Tender, seasoned chicken is paired with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, quinoa or rice, and topped with a rich and creamy tahini-feta sauce. This dish is perfect for meal prep, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a healthy lunch that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
The creamy tahini-feta sauce takes this dish to the next level, with its rich, tangy, and slightly nutty taste that complements the juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables. It’s light yet filling, and the combination of textures makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s customizable to your dietary preferences — you can swap out the chicken for another protein or make it vegetarian by adding chickpeas instead.
This recipe is quick to make and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want something healthy, flavorful, and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fresh Mediterranean Flavors
The combination of marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini-feta sauce brings the bright, tangy flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate.
2. Healthy and Nutritious
Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the tahini and feta, this dish is both wholesome and satisfying.
3. Customizable
This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste. Swap quinoa for rice, add more veggies, or use a different protein like lamb, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it your own.
4. Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these Greek chicken bowls come together quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
5. Make-Ahead Meal Prep
This dish is great for meal prep! You can make the components ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat, making busy days easier to manage.
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Ground paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the Bowl:
- Quinoa or rice (your choice)
- Cucumber (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce:
- Tahini
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Water (to thin the sauce)
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Different Protein: You can swap the chicken for lamb, shrimp, or even grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Grain Swap: If you want a lower-carb version, swap quinoa or rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- More Veggies: Add additional vegetables such as roasted red peppers, artichokes, or baby spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Omit the feta in the sauce and replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy: Add a little chili pepper or cayenne to the chicken marinade for an extra kick of heat.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat it well with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Bowl Ingredients
While the chicken is cooking, cook your quinoa or rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley or cilantro.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
To assemble, start by placing a serving of quinoa or rice in each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken on top, followed by cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle the creamy tahini-feta sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the Chicken Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.
- Grill the Chicken: If you have a grill, grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. You can also use a grill pan or outdoor barbecue.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: The creamy tahini-feta sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also works great as a dip for veggies or pita bread.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to your bowl for extra crunch and flavor, like shredded carrots, roasted beets, or even some sautéed spinach.
- Texture Matters: For a crunchier texture, try toasting some nuts or seeds (like sunflower seeds or pine nuts) to sprinkle on top of the bowls.
How to Serve
These Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a side of pita bread or a green salad for an even heartier meal. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, consider serving it buffet-style so everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tahini-feta sauce in a separate container to prevent the rice or quinoa from getting soggy.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, the rice or quinoa and veggies are best when consumed fresh. If you do freeze the chicken, make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, place it in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a little olive oil to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tahini?
Yes, store-bought tahini works perfectly for the sauce. Just be sure to stir it well, as it can separate.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add extra veggies to make it more filling.
3. Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta, or even a dairy-free cheese for a different flavor.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick of heat, you can marinate the chicken with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even add some diced jalapeño to the tahini-feta sauce.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and make the tahini-feta sauce ahead of time. The chicken can be cooked and stored in the fridge, and the bowls can be assembled later.
6. Can I use a different grain besides quinoa or rice?
Yes! You can substitute quinoa with couscous, farro, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
7. Can I make the sauce without feta?
If you want to make it dairy-free, you can omit the feta and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or blend in a little more tahini for richness.
8. How do I store the tahini-feta sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir it well before serving.
9. Can I add more vegetables to the bowls?
Yes, feel free to add extra veggies like roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or leafy greens to customize the bowls to your liking.
10. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stove?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds extra flavor. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) before serving.
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce are a delicious, vibrant, and healthy meal that brings together all your favorite Mediterranean flavors in one bowl. With tender, flavorful chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy sauce, this dish is sure to be a new favorite for family dinners or meal prep. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
PrintGreek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: Dinner, Bowl Meal
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Bowls are a deliciously balanced meal that combines marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini feta sauce. Full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a mix of protein, healthy fats, and refreshing vegetables—all topped with a creamy, tangy sauce!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown, white, or quinoa)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons water (for thinning)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, and seal it. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Prepare the Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, crumbled feta, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency (smooth and pourable).
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice (or quinoa) into four bowls.
- Arrange the sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on top of the rice.
- Drizzle with Sauce:
- Generously drizzle the creamy tahini feta sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Greek Chicken Bowls!
Notes
- Rice options: You can use brown rice, white rice, or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Sauce adjustments: If you prefer a stronger feta flavor in the sauce, feel free to add a little more crumbled feta.
- Meal prep: These bowls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days (just add the sauce right before serving to keep it fresh).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Bowl Meal
- Method: Mediterranean, Greek
- Cuisine: American