If you’ve been on the lookout for a vibrant, satisfying, and nourishing meal that won’t tip the carb scale, this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender, lemony grilled chicken with fresh, crunchy vegetables and creamy tzatziki, delivering a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these bowls are colorful, healthy, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is refreshingly simple because each ingredient plays a vital role in the dish’s flavor and texture. From the juicy chicken marinated in zesty herbs to the crisp vegetables and briny olives, these ingredients come together to make a perfectly balanced meal.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, protein-packed goodness that forms the heart of this bowl.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly for vibrant flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Injects a bright, tangy freshness essential for that authentic Greek taste.
- Garlic: Provides a savory depth that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that gives the marinade its signature aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Cucumbers: Cool and crunchy, they add texture and balance out the richness.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a freshness that brightens the bowl.
- Red Onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that livens up each mouthful.
- Kalamata or Green Olives: Salty and briny, olives add an exciting pop of flavor.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, tangy yogurt and cucumber sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a burst of herbal freshness at the end.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): For an extra splash of citrus when serving.
How to Make Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple yet flavorful marinade is the foundation of the dish, infusing the chicken with the bright, herby notes that define Greek cuisine. Coat your chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly and let them soak up all those delicious flavors by marinating for at least 30 minutes — this step is key for tender, tasty chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat your grill or a sturdy pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through and lightly charred on the outside. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite is juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs
While the chicken is resting, chop fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces for that fresh crunch and vibrant color. Halve your Kalamata or green olives to evenly distribute their salty punch throughout the bowl. Don’t forget to finely chop the fresh parsley that will add an extra layer of bright flavor and aroma to your dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part! Start by layering your chopped vegetables as a fresh, crunchy base. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top, then generously spoon creamy tzatziki sauce over everything. Scatter the halved olives and sprinkle chopped parsley all around to finish. The combination of textures and flavors in each bowl is what makes this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serving
If you like, add lemon wedges on the side to give everyone the option of an extra citrusy kick. Serve these bowls immediately for the best experience, or if you’re prepping meals ahead of time, keep ingredients separate to maintain freshness and texture.
How to Serve Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these bowls with freshly chopped parsley gives an herbal spark that wakes up the flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice just before eating adds a wonderful brightness that elevates the dish. If you want to add a little extra, toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta can also bring a nice touch of richness and texture.
Side Dishes
While the bowls are satisfying on their own, pairing them with a simple side like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables keeps the meal light and fresh. For a low carb twist, steamed cauliflower rice or grilled zucchini ribbons also complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed in a platter-style setup so everyone can build their own bowls. You can also present this dish in large glass jars or mason jars for a charming meal prep idea that’s portable and visually appealing. Wrapping the fillings in lettuce leaves is another creative, handheld option that stays true to the low carb theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers to preserve freshness. Keeping the tzatziki sauce in its own container prevents the veggies from getting soggy. This way, when you’re ready to eat, you can quickly assemble your bowls for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh vegetables don’t freeze well, you can freeze the marinated and cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging and use within one month for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, avoiding high heat that might dry out the meat. Assemble your bowl with cold fresh veggies and tzatziki after reheating for a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal even on busy days.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, but thighs offer more juiciness and flavor. Both work well, so feel free to use your favorite or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is perfect for meal prep because the ingredients can be prepped and stored separately, keeping veggies crisp and chicken flavorful throughout the week.
What can I use instead of tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki, plain Greek yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill makes a great substitute. Alternatively, a dollop of hummus or tahini can add a different but delicious element.
Can I add more veggies to the bowls?
Definitely! Low carb veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or roasted eggplant make wonderful additions to customize the bowls to your taste and keep things exciting.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum to get great flavor, marinating for up to 4 hours or overnight in the fridge will deepen the taste and tenderize the chicken even more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful meal that is easy to put together and friendly on your carb count, I can’t recommend this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe enough. With its bright Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures, it’s quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more!
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Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring marinated grilled chicken paired with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s a delicious bowl full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and nutritious ingredients, all while keeping the carb count low.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Veggies and Garnishes
- 1 cup cucumbers, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup Kalamata or green olives, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the Kalamata or green olives. Finely chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top. Spoon the creamy tzatziki sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the halved olives and chopped parsley.
- Serve: Add lemon wedges on the side for an optional fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Serve the bowls immediately for best flavor and texture, or if preparing ahead, store components separately and assemble just before eating.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer (up to 2 hours) for more intense flavor.
- If grilling indoors, use a grill pan for best results.
- Tzatziki can be store-bought or homemade.
- To keep it low carb, serve without rice or pita bread.
- The recipe is easily adaptable for meal prep; store all components separately and combine when ready to eat.
