Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make, Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls are a culinary delight that echo the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. This recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave delicious, wholesome meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bowl combines an irresistible mix of textures and tastes, showcasing tender ground chicken, refreshing vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce that comes together in a matter of minutes. Enjoy this dish as a light dinner or pack it up for lunch; either way, you’ll savor every bite!
The beauty of these Greek bowls lies in their versatility. They’re not only quick to prepare but also full of vibrant nutrients, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping. With the use of lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, and garden-fresh vegetables, these bowls are not only satisfying but also healthy. The tangy lemon juice and fragrant herbs provide a taste explosion that transports you straight to the Greek islands. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delectable meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Flavor Packed: Bright and zesty flavors bring joy to your palate.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean protein, fresh herbs, and vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily alter the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into cooking your Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace for a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out to streamline the cooking process. This will help to keep your kitchen organized and reduce the time spent searching for items during cooking.
In terms of tools, you’ll need the following:
- A cutting board and sharp knife for dicing vegetables.
- Two mixing bowls for the Greek salsa and tzatziki sauce.
- A skillet for cooking the ground chicken.
- Serving bowls for assembling and serving your Greek bowls.
- A measuring cup and spoons for precise ingredient quantities.
Ingredients
- For the Greek Salsa:
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 3 tbsp diced cucumber
- 2 tsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of ¼ lemon
- Pinch of salt
- For the Chicken Bowls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Greek Salsa
Start by making the Greek salsa, which will provide a refreshing base to your bowls. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and add the chopped fresh dill and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors, then cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Mix the Tzatziki Sauce
While the salsa is chilling, prepare your tzatziki sauce next. In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt), diced cucumber, fresh dill, garlic powder, and the juice of a quarter lemon. Add a pinch of salt for taste and blend until smooth. This creamy sauce is what brings your Greek bowls together, so give it a good mix and let it chill in the fridge alongside the salsa.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the chicken, which will serve as the primary protein for your Greek bowls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go for even cooking. After the chicken is browned, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried dill, chopped parsley, and the juice of half a lemon. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the spices to infuse into the chicken. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Finally, it’s time to assemble your Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls. Start by dividing the cooked rice or cauliflower rice into four serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the seasoned ground chicken. Add a heap of the Greek salsa on top, followed by a spoonful of the tzatziki sauce for that creamy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground chicken for turkey, beef, or plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach to the Greek salsa for more nutrients and color.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like cumin or smoked paprika for added flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Be mindful not to overcook the ground chicken, as it can become dry. Keep it moist by removing it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels according to your personal taste—add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or herbs for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these bowls with a side of pita bread or a green salad for a full Mediterranean experience.
- Add crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra salty kick that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground chicken with chickpeas or lentils, following the same seasoning method.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice and rotisserie chicken to assemble the bowls in no time.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free rice and confirm that any packaged ingredients, like yogurt and olives, are gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken on the stove or microwave before serving.
What can I substitute for coconut yogurt?
You can use regular Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free alternative for a similar texture and taste.
Can I freeze these bowls?
While it’s better to freeze the cooked chicken separately, all components can be frozen and stored in individual containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls are a delightful culinary creation that marries fresh ingredients with quick cooking time. Perfect for families or meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen without the fuss. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of the Greek salsa, the creamy tzatziki, and seasoned chicken in every bite. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments or try your own variations. This dish offers endless possibilities for creativity, making it a reliable go-to for healthy eating any day of the week!
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Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make, Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls are a culinary delight that echo the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- For the Greek Salsa:
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 3 tbsp diced cucumber
- 2 tsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of ¼ lemon
- Pinch of salt
- For the Chicken Bowls:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
Instructions
- Start by making the Greek salsa, which will provide a refreshing base to your bowls. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mixture and add the chopped fresh dill and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors, then cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the salsa is chilling, prepare your tzatziki sauce next. In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut yogurt (or Greek yogurt), diced cucumber, fresh dill, garlic powder, and the juice of a quarter lemon. Add a pinch of salt for taste and blend until smooth. This creamy sauce is what brings your Greek bowls together, so give it a good mix and let it chill in the fridge alongside the salsa.
- Now it’s time to cook the chicken, which will serve as the primary protein for your Greek bowls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go for even cooking. After the chicken is browned, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried dill, chopped parsley, and the juice of half a lemon. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the spices to infuse into the chicken. Remove from heat.
- Finally, it’s time to assemble your Healthy Greek Ground Chicken Bowls. Start by dividing the cooked rice or cauliflower rice into four serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the seasoned ground chicken. Add a heap of the Greek salsa on top, followed by a spoonful of the tzatziki sauce for that creamy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Be mindful not to overcook the ground chicken, as it can become dry. Keep it moist by removing it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 28 g