If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and wholesome meal, this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors like tangy lemon, fragrant oregano, and creamy tzatziki, these bowls combine perfectly grilled chicken with crisp veggies and briny olives, delivering a satisfying and healthy meal that feels indulgent but keeps carbs low. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep winner, this recipe strikes the ideal balance of easy, flavorful, and colorful, making every bite a little celebration of Greek-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this dish, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the crunchy vegetables and creamy sauce, every element comes together harmoniously to create an irresistible bowl.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose your favorite cut; thighs offer juicier richness while breasts give a leaner option.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Greek cooking that adds healthy fats and helps infuse the marinade into the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Brings bright acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and tzatziki.
- Garlic: Adds pungent warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Dried Oregano: The signature herb that gives this bowl its authentic Greek aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Cucumbers: Fresh and crunchy, they lighten the bowl and add a cooling contrast.
- Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness that brighten each bite.
- Red Onion: Offers a sharp, vibrant crunch to cut through the creamy sauce.
- Kalamata or Green Olives: Salty and briny, they bring an unmistakable Mediterranean punch.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and herbaceous, it’s the luscious finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): For extra citrus zing at the table if you love a little more brightness.
How to Make Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Take your chicken breasts or thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial because it allows the chicken to soak in all those vibrant Greek flavors that ensure every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Perfectly
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, making sure it gets nice and hot before cooking. Place the marinated chicken on the pan and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until beautifully charred on the outside and cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps retain its juices—then slice it into strips perfect for layering in your bowl.
Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
While the chicken rests, chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the Kalamata or green olives and finely chop fresh parsley. These fresh ingredients will add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm, tender chicken later on.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Start with a base of the chopped vegetables in your serving bowls. Top them with the sliced grilled chicken, then add generous spoonfuls of creamy tzatziki sauce right over the top. Scatter the olives and chopped parsley to finish, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
If you love a little extra citrus brightness, tuck lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl just before eating. You can serve these bowls immediately for a fresh meal or store all ingredients separately to keep meal prep convenient and fresh throughout the week.
How to Serve Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese elevate the bowl with extra flavor and color. Lemon wedges are a perfect optional garnish to add a splash of zesty brightness right at the table.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal light and balanced. For variety, a small plate of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles complements these bowls well while keeping the carb count low.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting, restaurant-style experience, serve the bowls in rustic ceramic dishes with small ramekins of extra tzatziki and olives on the side. You could even present them on large sharing platters for family-style dining, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the grilled chicken, chopped vegetables, olives, and tzatziki stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored this way, your ingredients will last about 3 to 4 days, making meal prep a breeze.
Freezing
The cooked chicken slices freeze well if wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, but it’s best to freeze without the fresh vegetables or tzatziki sauce to prevent texture changes upon thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just warmed through—it’s important not to overcook, so it stays juicy. Add fresh vegetables and sauce after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier and more tender, which actually complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully in this recipe.
Is this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! Keep components like chicken, veggies, and tzatziki separate until mealtime to ensure maximum freshness and flavor retention.
What can I substitute for tzatziki sauce if I don’t have it?
If tzatziki isn’t available, you can use plain Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill as a quick homemade alternative. It gives you that creamy, tangy Greek flavor.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the tzatziki or replace it with a dairy-free yogurt sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free and full of flavor.
Can I add grains or legumes to make this dish more filling?
Definitely! While this is a low carb recipe, adding grains like quinoa or couscous or even chickpeas can bulk up the bowls if you want more carbs and extra fiber.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and easy enough to make any night of the week. The combination of fresh vegetables, herby chicken, and creamy tzatziki makes for a nourishing meal that never gets boring. I truly hope you give this recipe a go—you might just discover your new go-to for delicious, balanced eating that puts a little sunshine on your plate.
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Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Marinated grilled chicken pairs beautifully with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all garnished with fresh parsley and optional lemon wedges for an extra zing. This recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep, offering a balanced, low-carb Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1/2 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 the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot surface and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken rests, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the Kalamata or green olives and finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the chopped veggies, top with sliced grilled chicken, and spoon generous dollops of tzatziki sauce over the top. Sprinkle the halved olives and chopped parsley evenly across each bowl.
- Serve and Garnish: Add lemon wedges to the side if using for an optional citrus boost. Serve immediately for fresh flavors, or store the components separately for convenient meal prep throughout the week.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 8 hours, will deepen the flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat.
- Tzatziki sauce can be store-bought or homemade for extra freshness.
- Omit olives to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Store leftovers separately to keep vegetables crisp and chicken moist.
