Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl

Name: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mixed greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Global Kitchen Tales

I absolutely love this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl recipe! It's a deliciously vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Packed with juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty herbs, it not only satisfies my taste buds but also provides a healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures makes it feel indulgent while still being nutritious. I often prepare it for gatherings, and it never fails to impress my friends and family with its colorful presentation and mouthwatering taste.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-02-14T23:15:37.177Z

When I first experimented with this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl, I knew I wanted to pack in as many flavors as possible without overwhelming the dish. Grilling the chicken with a marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs infuses it with an irresistible aroma. The combination of fresh vegetables adds crunch, while a drizzle of olive oil elevates the entire dish. I found that letting the chicken rest after grilling makes it extra juicy and tender!

Additionally, I like to explore different variations by adding quinoa or couscous as a base. This not only boosts the dish with more nutrients but also provides a deliciously hearty texture. Topping it with a homemade tzatziki sauce always makes it a crowd-pleaser, making this bowl a staple in my weekly meal prep.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors
Healthy and filling for any meal
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marinating the chicken is crucial to enhance the flavor profile of your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with a fragrant zest. Aim to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if time permits, letting it sit for 1-2 hours will yield even juicier results and allow the flavors to deepen. If you’re short on time, even a quick marinate while you prepare the other ingredients works.

Use a resealable plastic bag for marinating to ensure that all surfaces of the chicken are well-coated. Unfortunately, many miss this step, leading to bland chicken. Always remember to pat the chicken dry before grilling; this promotes a nice char and prevents steaming. Skipping this can result in a lackluster texture.

Tzatziki Sauce Tips

The tzatziki sauce contributes a cooling element to the dish and balances the smoky grilled chicken with its refreshing taste. To achieve the best texture, make sure to drain the grated cucumber well; excess water can dilute the sauce. I often place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out, ensuring a thicker consistency. Adjust the garlic and dill based on your preference to create a sauce that suits your taste.

This sauce can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly. Regardless of the yogurt used, the creamy, tangy sauce remains a highlight of this dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When serving your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra tangy bite. You can also incorporate cooked quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal base, which adds additional texture and flavor. For a colorful flair, toss in some roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini alongside the fresh vegetables.

If you're preparing this dish for a larger gathering, the components can be scaled up easily. Grill several batches of chicken and prepare large bowls of the tzatziki and veggies. It becomes a fun build-your-own-bowl setup that encourages guests to customize their meals. Leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, making it an ideal meal prep option.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your delicious Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl:

Grilled Chicken

4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

2 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt to taste

Now that you have the ingredients ready, you’re all set to start cooking!

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps to create a delicious Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, and salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Assemble the Bowl

In bowls, layer the mixed greens, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Bowl!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding some feta cheese on top or substituting the chicken with grilled shrimp for a different protein option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to keep this bowl low-carb, consider replacing mixed greens with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. These options provide a similar base but with fewer carbohydrates while still delivering that “comfort food” feel. Alternatively, grill up some shrimp or lamb instead of chicken to put a twist on the traditional recipe.

For a richer flavor profile, try marinating the chicken in yogurt instead of oil. This will add tanginess and make the chicken incredibly tender, though it might take a bit longer to cook. Remember to adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the meat to maintain juiciness.

Storage and Reheating

Store the assembled components separately for the best flavor and texture. The grilled chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, while the tzatziki sauce will hold well for about the same length. For reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through to avoid drying it out. Microwaving can lead to rubbery textures, so it's best to use the stovetop.

When storing the fresh vegetables, keep them in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. This keeps everything fresh for your next meal. If you want to prepare the chicken or tzatziki ahead of time, consider doubling the recipe; they both hold up very well for meal preps.

Grilling Techniques

Grilling is an art that requires attention to detail. Preheat your grill to medium heat and ensure it's adequately clean to prevent sticking. If using a gas grill, let it preheat for about 10-15 minutes; for charcoal, let the coals reach a gray ash before cooking. This heating ensures a good sear on the chicken without drying it out.

A common mistake is flipping the chicken too soon. Wait until it releases easily from the grill grates—this usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side. Using a meat thermometer can also help—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute with grilled shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold in a salad or reheat them.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the yogurt used for tzatziki is gluten-free as well.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.