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Easy Flavor-Packed Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls for Perfect Weekly Lunches

Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls - featured image

These Greek chicken meal prep bowls are quick, easy, and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, perfect for busy weeknight lunches or prepping ahead for the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferably organic or free-range)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice or brown rice (about ½ cup uncooked per serving)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours.
  2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in fresh dill if using. Set aside and keep warm.
  3. Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies in the dressing and set aside to marinate slightly.
  4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs (discard excess marinade). Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is charred. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Divide rice evenly among meal prep containers. Slice chicken into strips and place on top. Add a scoop of Mediterranean salad and a dollop of tzatziki on the side. Garnish with parsley if desired.
  7. Seal containers and refrigerate. Bowls keep well for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat chicken and rice, adding fresh tzatziki after warming.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best flavor; avoid marinating over 6 hours to prevent mushy texture. Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure good sear. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing. Drain cucumber well for tzatziki to avoid watery sauce. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Bowls keep well refrigerated up to 4 days; freeze chicken and rice separately for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, meal prep, healthy lunch, Mediterranean diet, tzatziki, chicken thighs, easy recipe, weekly lunches