Name: Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil; 2 lemons, juiced; 1 tablespoon honey; ½ tablespoon lemon zest; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Kosher salt, to taste; Kosher pepper, to taste; 1 ½ cups quinoa, uncooked; 4 medium chicken breasts, 2 lbs boneless and skinless (32 ounces); 1 English cucumber, diced; 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped; 1 red onion, medium, diced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe. This bowl is a colorful medley of tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, and a tangy lemony dressing that brings it all together perfectly. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want it on repeat — it hits that balance of hearty and healthy in the best way!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Nutrition: Protein-packed chicken meets fiber-rich quinoa and fresh veggies for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
Flavor Harmony: The zesty lemon-oregano marinade and salty feta create a bright Mediterranean flavor that’s irresistible.
Simple Prep: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Versatility: Feel free to swap ingredients or customize it to your taste — it always turns out delicious!

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl, healthy Greek bowl, Mediterranean chicken quinoa, bright and flavorful grain bowl, easy Greek-inspired dinner - A white bowl holds a colorful layered dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light beige quinoa. On top of this, sliced grilled chicken with visible char marks sits to one side. To the right of the chicken is a mix of chopped red tomatoes and small pieces of red onion. Below the tomato mix is chopped green cucumber with some purple olives scattered throughout. White crumbled cheese is sprinkled over the top of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The colors contrast well, showing fresh and healthy ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of the Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe really lies in the goodness and simplicity of its ingredients. Each element plays its part to create a bowl that’s fresh, nourishing, and bursting with Mediterranean charm. When you’re shopping, pick ripe tomatoes and fresh cucumbers for crunch and juiciness, and choose a good quality feta for that perfect salty tang.

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl, healthy Greek bowl, Mediterranean chicken quinoa, bright and flavorful grain bowl, easy Greek-inspired dinner - Flat lay of a small heap of uncooked quinoa grains, four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts with a natural pink tone, one whole English cucumber with deep green skin, four ripe Roma tomatoes with bright red skin, one medium red onion with smooth purple outer layers, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of dark purple kalamata olives, two whole lemons—one cut in half showing juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light amber honey, one whole garlic bulb with papery white skin beside a few minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried green oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried light green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Quinoa: This protein-rich seed cooks quickly and soaks up flavors beautifully, making it a hearty base.
Chicken breasts : Boneless and skinless keep it lean; marinating tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor.
Olive or avocado oil: Healthy fats that also help emulsify the dressing and keep ingredients moist.
Lemons (juice and zest): Citrus adds brightness and a fresh zing essential to Greek-style dishes.
Honey: Balances the tart lemons with a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic, oregano & basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that build depth and aromatic layers.
English cucumber: Adds cool crunch and a fresh contrast to warm grains.
Roma tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, they bring color and acidity.
Red onion: Sharpness that cuts through richness but balances well when diced finely.
Feta cheese: Creamy, crumbly, and salty — it’s the star that makes a Greek bowl unmistakable.
Kalamata olives: Their briny bite complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to think of this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe as a canvas—you can add or subtract ingredients based on what you love or have on hand. Personally, I often swap Roma tomatoes for cherry tomatoes when I want a burst of sweetness or swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the chicken and bump up the veggies like roasted zucchini or artichokes for a hearty plant-based meal.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the marinade if you crave a little heat—I’ve done this when guests ask for something bold.
Herb Swap: Use fresh herbs like dill or mint to brighten things up when you have them available.
Grain Swap: Substitute quinoa with farro or couscous for a different texture; quinoa’s my favorite, but variety is nice!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa to Fluffy Perfection

Start by rinsing 1½ cups of quinoa under cold water to get rid of its natural bitterness. Then, add it to a saucepan with 2 cups of water and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and let it cook gently for about 12-15 minutes. Once the quinoa is tender and the water absorbed, fluff it with a fork and let it cool to room temperature. This cooling step keeps the quinoa light and prevents it from getting mushy later in your bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing/Marinade

In a small jar or bowl, combine ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ tablespoon lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, plus salt and pepper. Give it a good stir or shake till it emulsifies — meaning the oil and lemon juice blend into one luscious dressing. This mixture doubles as your marinade and finishing drizzle, so reserve about two-thirds of it for dressing later.

Step 3: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

Pour roughly one-third of the dressing over your 4 medium chicken breasts, turning to coat thoroughly. Let them soak up those bright flavors for at least 15 minutes if you have time—longer if you’re meal prepping. Then fire up your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 165°F. Cooking times can vary depending on thickness, so keep an eye out so you don’t overcook — juicy is the goal!

Step 4: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Divide the cooled quinoa evenly into 4 bowls. Slice or chop the grilled chicken and add it on top. Layer with diced English cucumber, chopped Roma tomatoes, and finely diced red onion for freshness and crunch. Sprinkle each bowl with one cup of crumbled feta and a handful of pitted kalamata olives. Finally, drizzle the reserved dressing over everything for a luscious finish—the lemon and herbs really tie it all together beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Marinate Thoughtfully: Don’t skimp on marinating the chicken—it makes a world of difference in tenderness and flavor.
Use Fresh Citrus Zest: Lemon zest adds an aromatic punch that juice alone can’t provide.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Cooking chicken with some space helps achieve beautiful grill marks and even cooking.
Let Quinoa Cool Completely: Hot quinoa can wilt fresh veggies and cheese, so patience here maintains texture balance.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl, healthy Greek bowl, Mediterranean chicken quinoa, bright and flavorful grain bowl, easy Greek-inspired dinner - The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful healthy dish. At the center, there are four thick slices of grilled chicken with brown grill marks and a light golden color. Surrounding the chicken are four different sections: diced green cucumber mixed with black olives and crumbled white cheese, chopped red tomatoes mixed with small pieces of red onion and black olives, white crumbled cheese, and a base of light beige quinoa. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill for an herbal lift and a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing — squeezing fresh juice just before eating never gets old. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a fantastic one-dish meal, but if you want to round it out, I usually serve it with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce or a simple Greek salad. Roasted lemon potatoes are also a family favorite that pair beautifully with these flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or meal prep, assembling these bowls in mason jars looks stunning and makes for easy grab-and-go meals. Layer the quinoa, veggies, chicken, feta, and olives thoughtfully, and keep the dressing separate until serving to keep everything fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, quinoa, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. This way, nothing gets soggy and flavors stay vibrant.

Freezing

The grilled chicken freezes well if you want to prep in advance — just slice it after cooking and freeze in portions. Quinoa can also be frozen but keep fresh veggies out of the freezer to preserve their texture.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out. Warm the quinoa separately and serve with fresh veggies and dressing added right before eating to keep everything fresh and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through, usually a few minutes less or more depending on thickness.
Is quinoa gluten-free and suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free and a great grain alternative for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to rinse it properly before cooking to remove saponins which can taste bitter.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to an hour. If you have the time, marinating overnight in the fridge really enhances the flavor and tenderness, but it’s still delicious with a quick 15-minute soak.
Can I meal prep this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe for the week?

Yes! Store the components separately — cooked chicken, cooled quinoa, chopped veggies, and dressing in separate containers — then assemble fresh each day. This keeps the textures and flavors at their best.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to overstate how much I love this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe—not only for the bright, fresh flavors but also for how flexible and easy it is to make any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches, or just need a nourishing meal that feels special, this bowl delivers every time. Give it a go, tweak it to your liking, and enjoy that satisfying feeling of a homemade Mediterranean feast in your own kitchen.