Greek Chicken Bowls with Zesty Lemon-Dill Sauce

 

There’s something magical about that first bite of a Greek Chicken Bowl with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce – the way the tangy yogurt complements the herb-marinated chicken, sending your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coastline. This best Greek Chicken Bowls recipe has become my family’s go-to dinner solution when we crave something both healthy and bursting with flavor.

Whether you call them easy Greek Chicken Bowls or homemade Mediterranean bowls, these colorful creations deliver restaurant-quality taste with surprisingly little effort. The secret? A simple but powerful marinade and that dreamy lemon-dill yogurt sauce that ties everything together perfectly.

Ready to transport your dinner table to Greece in just 30 minutes? Let’s dive into this classic Greek Chicken Bowl recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

✅ Quick and easy Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights
✅ Ready in just 30 minutes! Ideal for those days when you’re craving something delicious but short on time
✅ Customizable to everyone’s preferences – perfect for picky eaters!
✅ The best way to make Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce at home that rivals any restaurant version
✅ Meal-prep friendly – components can be prepared ahead for easy assembly throughout the week
✅ Balanced nutrition with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables in one bowl
✅ That lemon-dill yogurt sauce doubles as an amazing dip for vegetables or spread for sandwiches
✅ Perfect for busy weeknights! Just prep your ingredients and assembly is a breeze

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2% works best)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon honey (optional, for subtle sweetness)

For the Bowls:

• 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa (use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup prepared hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh dill sprigs for garnish

Must-have ingredients for authentic Greek Chicken Bowls include the oregano, lemon, and feta cheese, which provide that classic Mediterranean flavor profile. The best spices for Greek Chicken Bowls are the combination of oregano and thyme, which infuse the chicken with traditional Greek flavors.

How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce – Step by Step

Marinating and Cooking the Chicken

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat completely. For best flavor, marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the lemon-dill yogurt sauce. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce tastes even better when it sits for at least 15 minutes!

Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken (discarding excess marinade) and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning – this creates those delicious caramelized edges!

Preparing the Bowl Components

Step 4: While the chicken cooks, prepare your bowl ingredients if you haven’t already. Dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, slice red onion, and portion out olives and feta cheese.

Step 5: Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions if not already prepared. For a time-saving hack, use pre-cooked microwavable rice!

Assembling the Greek Chicken Bowls

Step 6: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among 4 serving bowls, creating a base layer.

Step 7: Arrange the cooked Greek chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese in sections on top of the rice.

Step 8: Add a dollop of hummus to each bowl. Drizzle generously with the lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Step 9: Garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while warm, with extra yogurt sauce on the side.

Presentation Tip: Create a beautiful “deconstructed” bowl by arranging each ingredient in its own section for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy meal!

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Pro Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

✅ Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.

✅ Yogurt Selection: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, most flavorful sauce. It really makes a difference!

✅ Fresh Is Best: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh dill in the yogurt sauce provides a vibrant, irreplaceable flavor.

✅ Perfect Chicken Texture: Don’t stir the chicken constantly while cooking. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs to develop a nice golden crust.

✅ Can I prepare Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce ahead? Absolutely! Prep all components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat the chicken and rice before assembling.

✅ What makes Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce extra special? The balance of warm chicken, cool vegetables, and that tangy lemon-dill sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

✅ Customization King: Create a “bowl bar” by preparing all components separately and letting family members or guests build their own bowls. This is great for entertaining!

✅ Time-Saving Hack: Use rotisserie chicken tossed with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning for an even quicker version.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

The best way to serve Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce is family-style, with all components in separate dishes so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. This interactive dining experience is perfect for casual entertaining or family dinners.

These Mediterranean-inspired bowls pair beautifully with:

• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing cucumber-mint water
• Sides: Warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping
• Starter: A simple Greek salad or avgolemono soup
• Dessert: Honey-drizzled Greek yogurt with walnuts and cinnamon, or traditional baklava

These bowls are perfect for:

• Meal prep lunches
• Casual dinner parties
• Al fresco summer dining
• Healthy post-workout meals

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 bowl with rice base):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 950mg

For a low-carb version using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice:

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 18g

These Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce are packed with lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt, and plenty of fresh vegetables, making them a nutritionally balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down.

Storage & Leftovers

How to store Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce leftovers?

For best results, store the components separately in airtight containers:

• Cooked chicken: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Lemon-dill yogurt sauce: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Rice or quinoa: Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Prepped vegetables: Keep cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion separate from other ingredients and refrigerate for 2-3 days.

Reheating instructions:

1. Warm chicken and grain base separately in the microwave until heated through (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Assemble with cold components and sauce as directed.

Freezing information:
The chicken can be frozen after cooking for up to 3 months. The yogurt sauce does not freeze well due to its dairy content. Thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4 FAQs About Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce

Can I make these Greek Chicken Bowls vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas (roasted with the same seasonings) or cubes of grilled halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian option that still packs plenty of protein.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream with a little extra lemon juice to mimic the tang of Greek yogurt. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy are these Greek Chicken Bowls?

This recipe as written is not spicy at all. For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or stir some into the yogurt sauce.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Absolutely! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen table in just 30 minutes. With juicy herb-marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and that irresistible tangy yogurt sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a reader favorite.

What makes this the best Greek Chicken Bowls recipe is its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients – plus its incredible versatility. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, feeding a family with different preferences, or looking for a healthier dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, these bowls deliver every time.

Have you tried making these Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon-Dill Yogurt Sauce? Let us know in the comments how they turned out, and don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag us!

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