Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls: A Weeknight Dinner Lifesaver

Last Tuesday, I had one of those “what am I going to make for dinner?” moments. You know the ones – the fridge is half-empty, everyone’s hungry, and you need something quick and satisfying. I had some leftover grilled chicken, a sad-looking cucumber, and a few olives in the fridge. Inspiration struck! I decided to whip up some low carb greek chicken bowls. My family absolutely devoured them!

Picture juicy, seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, creamy tzatziki sauce – all coming together in one delicious bowl. Even my picky eater, who usually avoids anything green, asked for seconds. This recipe has become a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Even on my busiest weeknights, this comes together in no time. Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing bowls. Don’t be afraid to adjust quantities based on your family’s preferences!

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: Cauliflower rice or lettuce for the base

Personal Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Bowls

These bowls are super versatile, but here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way to make them even better:

Chicken Prep

I’ve found that pre-cooking the chicken breasts in a batch on Sunday saves me so much time during the week. I usually grill them, but you can bake them or even use rotisserie chicken from the store. Speaking of chicken, If you’re feeling fancy, marinate the chicken in a Greek-inspired marinade for about 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper works wonders.

Veggie Perfection

For the vegetables, try to chop them into similar sizes for a more uniform bowl. My kids aren’t huge fans of raw red onion, so I usually soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out their flavor. I also make sure to buy feta cheese that’s packed in brine. It tastes so much better than the pre-crumbled stuff.

Family Insights

My kids prefer mild feta, but you can absolutely use sharp feta for more flavor. Also, my husband is a big fan of spice, so sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on his bowl.

Shopping Wisdom

I buy olives in bulk at Costco and freeze portions. Also, I always keep dried oregano on hand, but fresh oregano really makes a difference if you can find it.

Kitchen Secrets

Here’s something my mom taught me that changed everything: when making salad dressings or marinades, add the salt last. It helps the other flavors meld together better.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can use any kind of olives you like. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried works fine – just use half the amount. You can also use a different type of cheese, like goat cheese or halloumi. For those avoiding dairy, consider using a dairy-free feta alternative or simply omitting the cheese altogether. Another alternative to cauliflower rice is using shredded zucchini or squash as a low-carb base for the bowl.

Quality Guidelines

Use good-quality olive oil. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the dressing. Choose fresh, crisp vegetables. Also, make sure your feta cheese is not too salty.

Storage Tips

Store unused portions of ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can be stored for up to 4 days, and the vegetables can be stored for up to 3 days.

Cost-Saving Suggestions

Buy chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it. Use seasonal vegetables, as they’re usually cheaper. Make your own tzatziki sauce instead of buying it pre-made.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious low carb Greek chicken bowls:

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1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breasts. You can grill them, bake them, or use rotisserie chicken. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the Kalamata olives.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
5. Dress the Bowl: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables and toss gently to combine.
6. Assemble the Bowls: If using, place a bed of cauliflower rice or lettuce in the bottom of each bowl. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
7. Add Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle tzatziki sauce over each bowl.
8. Serve: Serve immediately.

More Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bowls

Here are some extra tips to ensure your bowls are a success:

Personal Experience

I learned the hard way that it’s best to let the chicken cool slightly before dicing it. Otherwise, it can be difficult to handle. Also, don’t overdress the bowl, as the vegetables will get soggy. I also recommend using the best quality olive oil that you can get your hands on, this will add a great taste to the dressing.

Friendly Guidance

Don’t worry if your bowl doesn’t look perfect. Mine never does! The most important thing is that it tastes good. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing.

Real-Life Tips

I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes – trust me on this one! Letting the flavors meld together really makes a difference.

Family-Tested Wisdom

My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch.

Encouraging Support

If the dressing seems too tart, add a little honey. If it’s too bland, add a little more salt and pepper.

Serving Ideas

Here are some ways you can serve these delicious bowls:

Family-Style Serving

We love this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. I usually put all the ingredients in separate bowls and let everyone assemble their own bowls.

Personal Presentation Tips

I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier! Also, a drizzle of extra olive oil never hurts.

Real-Life Occasions

This has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s also perfect for potlucks and picnics.

Honest Portion Talk

This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people!

Family Preferences

My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion, while my son prefers his without the feta cheese.

Practical Leftover Ideas

If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. You can also use the leftover chicken and vegetables in a salad or wrap.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about these low carb Greek chicken bowls:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a bowl. I often prep the chicken and veggies on Sunday to save time during the week. This is one of my favorite tips for having this bowl ready to go!

Q: Can I use a different type of protein?

A: Of course! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve even made this with leftover steak before, and it was delicious!

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables. My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use low-sodium feta cheese, omit the olives, and use a salt-free seasoning blend.

Q: Can I make this vegan?

A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Also, use a dairy-free feta alternative or omit the cheese altogether.

Q: What if I don’t have cauliflower rice?

A: No problem! You can use lettuce, shredded zucchini, or even just eat it as a salad. Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem – I use my hand mixer and it works great!

Q: How long will the leftovers last?

A: The leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that: use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not dry.

Q: Is this recipe truly low carb?

A: Yes! By using cauliflower rice or lettuce as a base and focusing on protein and vegetables, this recipe is a great low-carb option. See the Low-Carb Diet for more information.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs. For example, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh dill, use 2 tablespoons of dried dill.

Conclusion

These low carb greek chicken bowls have become such a staple in our house for so many reasons. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. For another chicken recipe you may enjoy, check out these Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls! This recipe is not only a delicious choice, but also aligns well with the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, known for its health benefits. For more information about the Mediterranean Diet, see the National Institutes of Health on Mediterranean Diet.

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Here are some final tips for making the perfect low carb greek chicken bowls:

• Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing it – I learned this the hard way when I served it too soon and it fell apart!
• Don’t overdress the bowl, or the vegetables will get soggy.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. We’ve also used these amazing crispy Greek Chicken Tenders as a protein option in the past. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls: A Weeknight Dinner Lifesaver

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

These low carb Greek chicken bowls are packed with flavor and healthy ingredients! A delicious and easy meal prep option.

• Author: Kiera
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 25
• Yield: 5 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Greek vinaigrette dressing (low carb)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. Divide cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese among 5 bowls.
4. Top with cooked chicken.
5. Drizzle with Greek vinaigrette dressing.
6. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for meal prep.

Notes

You can use store-bought or homemade Greek vinaigrette. To make it a complete meal, add a side of cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 400
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 7
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 10
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 100

Keywords: low carb, keto, chicken, greek, bowls, meal prep