Years ago, I stumbled into a small Greek café while exploring a coastal town. The air was thick with the scent of grilled herbs, lemon, and garlic. I ordered something I had never tried before—a Greek chicken bowl. It came with marinated chicken, cool cucumber salad, and a creamy white sauce I couldn’t stop dipping into. That meal stuck with me, and ever since, I’ve tried to recreate it at home.
This Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls sheet pan dinner version is a simplified, healthier spin that’s absolutely perfect for beginners. It’s quick, flexible, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just learning to cook, this lemon herb chicken recipe brings Mediterranean flair without the stress. Plus, it’s ideal for quick and healthy meals that don’t skimp on taste.

Why This Recipe is Special
This dish is a lifesaver for new cooks because it’s:
- Forgiving: You don’t need perfect knife skills or fancy tools. The flavors do all the heavy lifting.
- Balanced and Healthy: Lean protein, crisp veggies, and a creamy-yet-light yogurt sauce offer the best of both worlds.
- Customizable: Whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or just picky about tomatoes, this bowl adjusts to your needs without losing its charm.
- Prep-Friendly: It stores beautifully, so one cooking session gives you multiple meals.
Let’s dive into how to build this bowl from scratch.
Ingredients and Preparation
Below are the main components of this dish—each one plays a unique role. No exact measurements here, just an overview to help you understand what’s going on your plate.
Chicken and Marinade
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: The protein powerhouse of the dish. Lean, juicy, and a perfect canvas for flavor.
- Olive Oil: Acts as a carrier for herbs and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness and tenderizes the meat.
- Garlic Powder: A savory base that boosts the marinade’s depth.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Greek herbs that bring earthy, aromatic notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a gentle heat without overwhelming spice.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything into balance.
Substitute Tip: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs (juicier) or tofu (for a vegetarian twist). Don’t have lemon? Try apple cider vinegar for tang.
Veggies and Bowl Fillers
- Romaine Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch.
- Cucumber: Refreshing, hydrating, and balances the warm ingredients.
- Red Onion: Adds sharpness and a pop of color.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, perfect for contrast.
- Rice (White or Brown): A fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative with a subtle bite.
Substitute Tip: Use quinoa, farro, or even shredded cabbage as your base.
Tzatziki Sauce
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and protein-packed.
- Grated Cucumber: Cools the yogurt and adds texture.
- Fresh Dill: Gives tzatziki its signature herby taste.
- Lemon Juice & Garlic: Punches up flavor.
- Olive Oil & Salt: Smooth out the sharpness and balance everything.
Store-bought is fine, but homemade takes just minutes and tastes fresher.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Place your chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour is better).
Step 2 While the chicken is marinating, prep your toppings. Chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion. Cook your rice or cauliflower rice and set it aside.
Step 3 To make tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, a touch of olive oil, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 4 Cook the chicken. If using a skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for 7–8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F). If using an air fryer, cook at 380°F for about 7 minutes per side.
Step 5 Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and easier to cut.
Step 6 Assemble your bowls. Start with rice, add veggies, place sliced chicken on top, then drizzle with tzatziki. Optional but amazing: add crumbled feta or a few kalamata olives.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Chicken Cooks Unevenly? Pound it to even thickness before marinating.
- Veggies Look Sad by Day 2? Store wet and dry ingredients separately in meal prep containers.
- No Food Processor for Tzatziki? A cheese grater and a spoon work just fine.
- No Skillet? A baking sheet lined with foil and a hot oven (400°F for 20 minutes) works too—hello, easy sheet pan dinner.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls pair wonderfully with:
- Warm Pita Bread: For scooping or sopping up tzatziki.
- Lemon Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier dinner.
- Tabbouleh or Couscous Salad: To add extra freshness and grains.
For leftovers, store each component in separate containers. The chicken and rice reheat best, while veggies and sauce should be kept cold. These bowls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
If you’re just stepping into the kitchen or looking for a foolproof quick and healthy meal, this Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls is a great place to start. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a gateway to confident, delicious cooking. I hope you enjoy every bite and maybe even bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your week.
Tried it? Loved it? Got your own twist? I’d love to hear how your Greek chicken bowl turned out—share your version in the comments!
FAQ About Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just keep an eye on cooking time as they may need a bit longer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by swapping the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs work just fine in both the marinade and tzatziki. Use about ⅓ of the amount you’d use for fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
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Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls is a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring lemon-marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and creamy tzatziki. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s a beginner-friendly favorite that delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1 ¼ lbs small chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl Fillings
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream)
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess liquid), lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh dill, and salt. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Bowl: In a large bowl or meal prep container, layer cooked rice as the base. Top with romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta if using.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a bit of olive oil and lemon juice on top for extra brightness. Enjoy warm or chilled, and feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you love.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, swap the rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- The marinade also works great on shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist.
- To meal prep, store chicken, veggies, and tzatziki separately to keep textures fresh.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through without drying it out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1149mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 98g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 110mg