Greek Chicken Power Bowl is the fresh, vibrant, and protein-packed answer to your lunch rut. Forget the overpriced cafe bowls that cost $16 and leave you hungry an hour later. We all crave that “vacation in the Mediterranean” feeling, but traditional restaurant bowls are often loaded with hidden oils and sodium.
The Solution? A homemade version that puts you in control.
By combining juicy lemon-herb marinated chicken with crisp cucumbers, salty olives, and a high-protein feta-yogurt sauce, we create a meal that tastes like a vacation but hits your macros perfectly. This bowl is designed for volume eating—lots of food, tons of fiber, and a protein count that supports muscle maintenance and weight loss.
This recipe is a refreshing addition to my collection of 30+ High Protein Lunch Ideas, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring steamed chicken and broccoli.
Table of Contents
Why This Healthy Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe is a Weight Loss Hero
The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed as the gold standard for health, and for good reason. It focuses on whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
The Satiety Secret of a High Protein Greek Bowl
Is a Greek chicken bowl healthy for weight loss?
Yes! It follows the Mediterranean blueprint—lean protein and high-fiber veggies. It’s one of the few High protein Greek bowl recipes that feels truly indulgent while keeping you in a calorie deficit.
- The Protein Anchor: We use chicken breast, but the secret is in the marinade. By ensuring the chicken is flavorful and juicy, you don’t feel the need to drown it in high-calorie dressings.
- The Fiber Factor: Chickpeas and fresh vegetables provide fiber, which slows digestion and stabilizes blood sugar. According to the Mayo Clinic, this combination of fiber and healthy fats from olive oil is key to heart health and weight management.
Greek Chicken Power Bowl Nutrition and Macros
Macros matter. A standard takeout bowl can easily exceed 800 calories due to excessive oil usage in the rice and dressing. Our bowl clocks in around 410 calories.
- I use the same lean-meat marinade logic here as I do for the beef in my High Protein Philly Cheesesteak Pockets, ensuring the protein remains the star of the show without relying on heavy fats for moisture.
Greek Chicken Power Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Power Bowl is the ultimate healthy lunch. Packed with 36g protein, fresh veggies, and homemade Tzatziki. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
The Base
- 2 cups Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice (or Cauliflower Rice for Low Carb)
- 1 cup English Cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced
- 1 can (15 oz) Chickpeas, rinsed and drained (roasted optional)
The Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup Cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (discard excess marinade). Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F).
- Make Tzatziki: While chicken cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Prep Veggies: Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Rinse chickpeas.
- Assemble: Divide the cooked quinoa (or rice) into 4 bowls.
- Layer: Top the grains with sections of cooked chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, and chickpeas.
- Serve: Add a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce in the center and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Squeeze fresh lemon over the top before eating.
Notes
- Meal Prep: Store the chicken and grains in one container, and the fresh veggies/sauce in a separate container to keep everything crisp.
- Low Carb: Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.
- Roasting Chickpeas: For extra crunch, toss chickpeas in olive oil and paprika and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Classic Ingredients for a High Protein Greek Bowl
To build the perfect Healthy Greek chicken bowl recipe, you need to balance fresh crunch with savory depth.
What Goes in a Greek Chicken Bowl?
- The Base: Quinoa or brown rice provides complex carbohydrates. For a lighter option, chopped Romaine lettuce works beautifully.
- The Veggies: Classic ingredients include English cucumber (for crunch without the seeds), cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives (for a hit of brine), and red onion.
- The Protein Booster: To add more protein and texture, we include chickpeas. Roasting them for 10 minutes makes them nutty and delicious.
The Best Dressing or Sauce for a Greek Chicken Bowl
The sauce brings it all together. Store-bought Tzatziki often contains gums, stabilizers, and excess sodium.
- Homemade Tzatziki: We make ours with Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and garlic.
- The Benefit: Harvard Health notes that yogurt-based dressings provide probiotics that support gut health.
- This creamy Tzatziki dressing follows the same “yogurt-swap” logic as the filling in my High Protein Buffalo Chicken Pockets, drastically cutting calories while boosting protein.
How to Make a Greek Chicken Power Bowl at Home (Step-by-Step)
Freshness is key here. While you can prep ahead, assembling the bowl correctly ensures maximum flavor.
Choosing the Best Chicken for a Greek Power Bowl
Grilled vs. Rotisserie Chicken
- Rotisserie: Fast and convenient, but often high in sodium.
- Grilled/Baked: The best option. Marinate chicken breast cubes in olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and garlic for at least 30 minutes.
- While rotisserie is fast, grilled chicken marinated in lemon and oregano is the best for authentic flavor. Use the shredding method from my High Protein Spicy McChicken Salad if you want a finer texture that absorbs more of the Tzatziki sauce.
Building Your Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl
If you are watching your carbohydrate intake, the base of the bowl is the easiest place to make adjustments.
- The Swap: To lower the carbs, swap the rice for a bed of greens, similar to the volume-eating strategy in my Healthy Egg Roll in a Bowl. A base of baby spinach or arugula adds peppery notes that pair well with the lemon dressing.
Greek Chicken Bowl Meal Prep: How to Store and Reheat
This recipe is designed for the “Sunday Meal Prep” ritual.
How to Keep a Greek Bowl From Getting Soggy in Meal Prep
The number one rule of salad meal prep is separation.
- Tip: Store the Tzatziki and fresh veggies (cucumbers/tomatoes) in separate compartments or small containers. The acid in the tomatoes and the moisture in the cucumbers can make the rice soggy if left touching for days.
- Reheating: Only the chicken and rice/quinoa should be reheated. Add the cold veggies and sauce after heating.
- I use this same layering strategy for my High Protein Taco Salad Bowl, keeping the hot and cold elements distinct until serving time.
How Long Do Greek Chicken Bowls Last in the Fridge?
Answer: Properly stored in airtight containers, these Greek chicken bowl meal prep containers stay fresh for 3–4 days. The marinated chicken actually tastes better on day two as the flavors penetrate deeper.
High Quality Variations: Keto and Grain-Free Options
Mediterranean flavors are incredibly versatile and adapt well to specific diet protocols.
How to Make a Greek Chicken Bowl Low Carb
What can you use instead of rice in a Greek chicken bowl?
- Modification: Cauliflower rice or extra diced cucumbers work perfectly as a base.
- Cauliflower Rice Hack: Sauté the cauliflower rice with a little garlic and lemon zest to mimic the flavor of the quinoa.
- If you still want a bread-like side to scoop up the delicious dips but need to keep protein high, serve it with my High Protein Bagels.
Toppings That Add More Protein to a Greek Bowl
If you need to hit a higher protein goal (e.g., for muscle gain):
- Hemp Seeds: Sprinkle a tablespoon over the top for 3g of extra plant-based protein.
- Extra Feta: Choose a low-fat feta cheese to keep the protein-to-fat ratio favorable.
- Adding a side of my High Protein Egg Bites can turn this into a massive high-protein brunch bowl, adding choline and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions: What Can You Serve With a Greek Power Bowl?
Side Pairings and Healthy Finishes
- Dessert: This bowl is light enough to leave room for a treat like my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, keeping the dairy theme but adding a sweet, high-protein finish.
- Warm Side: If you prefer a warm handheld alongside your cool, crisp bowl, try my High Protein Ham and Cheese Pockets.
FAQ: Common Questions About Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
What is a Greek chicken power bowl?
A nutrient-dense meal featuring Mediterranean-seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato, onion), a grain base (quinoa or rice), and a creamy Tzatziki sauce. It balances protein, fats, and carbs.
How many calories are in a Greek chicken bowl roughly?
Typically between 400–450 calories per serving, depending on the amount of olive oil and feta cheese used. Our version maximizes volume with veggies to keep calories lower.
Can you make a Greek chicken bowl with tzatziki and still keep it healthy?
Yes, by using non-fat Greek yogurt as the base for the Tzatziki to keep it high in protein and low in fat. Store-bought versions often use mayonnaise or sour cream, which spikes the calories.
What toppings add more protein to a Greek bowl?
Extra chicken, chickpeas, hemp seeds, and a high-protein feta sauce are excellent additions. You can also mix unflavored protein powder into the Tzatziki (though it may alter texture slightly).
Is a Greek chicken bowl healthy?
Yes, it is rich in lean protein, healthy fats from olives/olive oil, and micronutrients from fresh vegetables. It supports heart health and sustained energy levels.
How do you make a high protein Greek bowl?
Focus on double-portioning the chicken and using a Greek-yogurt-based sauce. Reducing the rice portion and increasing the chicken and chickpea ratio instantly boosts the protein profile.
Conclusion
The Greek Chicken Power Bowl is the ultimate way to stay on track without ever feeling deprived. It’s fresh, zesty, and filling, proving that healthy food can be vibrant and delicious. Whether you prep it for the week or make it fresh for dinner, it’s a winner.
Not in a Mediterranean mood? Check out my High Protein Meatball Sub Pockets next for a warm, savory alternative!