Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Sometimes, life’s brief escapes aren’t always about hopping on a plane. Sometimes, they’re as simple as bringing a piece of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, like this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl. 

Did your mind drift to the vibrant colors, sun-kissed flavors, and a sense of effortless elegance upon hearing about the “Mediterranean”?

It’s a natural brain response and trust me when I tell you that this Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl captures the essence of it all.

We have all had random craving sessions, in the middle of the night on a sleepover, or on a Sunday afternoon, to eat something crispy, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying, that is also easy to make.

Let me tell you that this yummy bowl was the answer to my foodie prayers in such times!

Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a lemon-herb blend, tossed with fluffy quinoa, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Every bite is a burst of flavor, a symphony of textures, and a celebration of healthy eating. 

I can’t handle this build-up anymore, so I’m off to making one for myself right now. You can continue scrolling to make one delicious meal of Greek chicken quinoa bowl for yourself. 

What You’ll Love About This Quinoa Bowl

1. This recipe is so easy, even a beginner cook can master it. With minimal prep and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
2. You can experiment with this dish to your liking. You don’t have to hold back on your favourite ingredients. Heck, I put a load of sesame and experiment with nuts all the time.
3. I have used this dish’s leftovers for busy weeknights. You can even improvise by adding more ingredients and giving it a swirl if the quantity looks less.
4. This Greek chicken quinoa bowl is packed with good, nutritious stuff, like protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, it tastes amazing!
5. This dish is perfect for those who want to avoid grains but crave a grain-like texture, as quinoa isn’t technically a grain, but a nut or a seed. 
6. The mix of bold flavours and textures makes you keep coming for more. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you want your bowl to taste as heavenly as mine does, don’t forget the sauce!

Ingredients for the sauce

1- Fresh Garlic

This is the key ingredient of this sauce. A few cloves of fresh garlic infuse my dish with such subtle flavour and aroma, promising a delicious meal on its way. 

2- Dried Oregano

I remember my grandma using it in almost every dish because of the warm, earthy note it adds. It’s a classic combo with garlic and always brings back fond memories for me.

3- Freshly Ground Black Pepper

A little crack of black pepper can elevate any dish. It adds a bit of spice and complexity, and I always grind it fresh for the best flavour.

4- Crumbled Feta Cheese

I like the versatility of taste and texture it adds to both my secret sauce and the Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowl: the tangy taste and the creamy texture.

5- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and Water

Use these ingredients according to your preferred taste and consistency. I like my creamy but flowy, like honey. 

Ingredients for the bowl

1- Thinly Sliced Red Onion

This adds the desirable crunch, a little sweetness, and that golden color to your bowl. Plus, I love the taste of caramelised onions in my bowl.

2- Fresh Lemon Juice

This simple ingredient makes such a big difference. One squeeze can add a refreshing tanginess that pulls the taste of all ingredients together. 

3- Minced Garlic

I strongly believe that the manually minced garlic in the pestle and mortar taste way better than minced in the food processor. Regardless of your mincing preference, garlic is a must-have in any bowl! 

4- Shredded Chicken

Leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken is a great way to add protein to your bowl. It’s easy to shred and adds a savory flavor.

5- Fluffy Quinoa

I remember my mom making quinoa for us as kids on holidays, and I’ve always loved it since then. It’s a great base for your bowl, and the secret to that perfectly fluffy texture is cooking it until you see little sprouts and no clumps.

6- Crisp Cucumber

Cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and a touch of hydration to your bowl, and who doesn’t love these perks.

7- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes

These add a burst of sweetness and color to your bowl. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.

8- Salty Olives

Olives add a salty, savory flavor that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients. I love using Kalamata olives, but feel free to use your favorite.

How To Prepare?

Alright, let’s get cookin’! 

This recipe is sure a to delight to make. But first, let’s talk about quinoa. This little seed that just can’t make up its mind: is it a grain, a nut, or a superfood? Who knows! But it surely makes a perfect base for this dish.

First, let’s whip up that sauce!

• Throw some garlic cloves and oregano into your food processor. Pulse ’em until they’re finely minced.
• Crumble in some salty, tangy feta and give it a few pulses.
• With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil and water until you’ve got a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Next, let’s prepare the rest of the ingredients!

• Toss some red onion with a splash of lemon juice to soften it up.
• Cook that quinoa according to the package directions. 
• Fluff it up with a fork and set it aside.

It’s assembly time!

Layer Up. Divide the quinoa into bowls. Top with shredded chicken, the tangy onion, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives.

Drizzle that creamy, dreamy sauce over everything.

And there you have it!

Tips For Perfection & Up-scaling

Tip # 1 – Upscale with Leftovers

Got leftover chicken from last night’s roast? Perfect! Use it here. You can also swap it for steak, turkey, or even fish.

Tip # 2 – For Vegetarians

For my veggie-friendly audience, I would recommend swapping the chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu.

Tip # 3 – Dairy Alternative

If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the feta. Or, you can also replace it with hummus. It will make a delicious alternative.

Tip # 4 – Pro Tip, Prep Ahead

I always keep a bag of cooked quinoa in the freezer. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. I also like to prepare the cucumber-tomato salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the quinoa and chicken, and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the freshest taste.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the quinoa, chicken, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat them individually and assemble your bowl when you’re ready to eat.