Greek Chicken Bowls: Easy Clean Eating Meal Prep for a Healthy Week

A Captivating Start

Are you searching for a meal prep recipe that is bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and actually makes you look forward to your healthy lunches? Look no further than these vibrant and delicious Greek Chicken Bowls. This recipe is the ultimate answer to clean eating without sacrificing taste. Imagine tender, herb-marinated chicken resting on a bed of fluffy lemon rice, accompanied by crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and briny kalamata olives—all packed into one convenient, gorgeous bowl. Not only is this dish a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a powerhouse of lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Perfect for busy weekdays, this Greek Chicken Bowl recipe is designed for beginners, requires minimal active cooking time, and stores beautifully for 3-4 days. Let’s transform your meal prep routine with this simple, step-by-step guide to creating restaurant-quality bowls right in your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients for Greek Chicken Bowls

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to adjust the vegetable quantities or swap grains based on what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 generous meal prep portions.

For the Lemon-Herb Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded to even thickness
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or quinoa for a grain-free option)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt to taste

For the Bowls & Toppings:

• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
• 4-6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish

For the Easy Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best creaminess)
• ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry in a paper towel
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Greek Chicken Bowls

Follow these simple, numbered steps for a foolproof meal prep session.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and ensure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Lemon Rice
While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rice and lemon zest, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce & Chop Vegetables

1. Make the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This is the key to a thick, non-watery sauce! In a small bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Chop Veggies: Dice the cucumber for the bowl, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Place them in separate containers if prepping ahead.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add a light drizzle of oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is beautifully browned with grill marks. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken. Then, slice it into strips or cubes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls
This is the fun part! Divide the fluffy lemon rice evenly among 4 airtight meal prep containers. Top each with a portion of the sliced Greek chicken. Arrange the diced cucumber, tomato halves, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives neatly around the chicken. Place the feta cheese in a small container or sprinkle it on top. Crucially, store the tzatziki sauce in a separate small container to prevent the bowls from getting soggy. Garnish with fresh dill just before serving.

Useful Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Bowls

• Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, but breasts are leaner. Pounding them to an even thickness is essential for even cooking.
• Marinating Magic: Don’t skip the marinating time! Even 30 minutes makes a significant difference in flavor and tenderness.
• Grain Alternatives: Substitute the rice with quinoa, couscous, orzo, or even a bed of fresh romaine lettuce for a low-carb option.
• Prevent Sogginess: Always pack wet ingredients (tzatziki, olives) separately and add them when you’re ready to eat.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and rice portions separately from the cold veggies. The tzatziki should always be added cold.
• Customize: Add roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, or a sprinkle of sumac for an extra flavor kick.

Conclusion and Final Encouragement

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal prep recipe that will make clean eating something you genuinely enjoy. These Greek Chicken Bowls are more than just lunch; they’re a colorful, flavor-packed experience that proves healthy food can be exciting and deeply satisfying. By spending a little time prepping on a Sunday, you’ve set yourself up for a successful, stress-free week of healthy eating.

So, gather those fresh ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process. Your future self will thank you every single day when you open your fridge to see these beautiful, ready-to-go bowls waiting for you. Don’t just take our word for it try this Greek Chicken Bowl recipe today and taste the vibrant, healthy difference!

Ready to prep? Share your gorgeous #GreekChickenBowl creations with us!