Growing up in a big Greek family, Greek Ground Chicken Bowls were a staple in our household. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about the savory blend of ground chicken, fragrant spices, and fresh veggies all coming together in one satisfying bowl. It’s a meal that takes me right back to my yiayia’s kitchen, where the aroma of oregano and garlic would fill the air and bring the whole family running to the table.
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Why This Greek Ground Chicken Bowls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
What makes this Greek Ground Chicken Bowls recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ground chicken is seasoned to perfection with a custom spice blend, then seared to get that delicious caramelized crust. The veggies are crisp-tender, the tzatziki sauce is cool and creamy, and the whole dish is tied together with the brightness of fresh lemon and herbs. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground chicken – The star of the show! Make sure to get a lean, high-quality ground chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil – You’ll need this for sautéing the chicken and veggies.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for authentic Greek flavor.
- Onion – Diced onion adds sweetness and depth.
- Spices – A blend of oregano, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes gives the chicken its signature Greek taste.
- Tomatoes – Juicy diced tomatoes add moisture and acidity to balance the dish.
- Cucumbers – Crisp, cool cucumbers are perfect for the tzatziki sauce.
- Greek yogurt – The creamy base of the tzatziki.
- Lemon juice – Brightens up the whole dish.
Step-by-Step Greek Ground Chicken Bowls Instructions
Preparing Your Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
This Greek Ground Chicken Bowls recipe comes together quickly, in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large skillet or wok, a cutting board, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
2- Once the chicken is browned and cooked through, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Next, stir in the oregano, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Let the spices toast for 1 minute to deepen their flavor.
4- Add the diced tomatoes and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes have released their juices and the mixture has thickened slightly.
5- While the chicken is simmering, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6- Serve the Greek Ground Chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, topped with the creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Greek Ground Chicken Bowls is to not overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through to maintain a tender, juicy texture.
Another tip is to squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the tzatziki. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a little more lemon, garlic, or red pepper flakes to suit your personal flavor preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
Perfect Pairings for Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
These Greek Ground Chicken Bowls are incredibly versatile and pair well with all sorts of sides and beverages. For a complete meal, serve them over fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa. A fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread also make fantastic accompaniments.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine, a refreshing Greek lager, or a bright, herbal mocktail would all be lovely choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Greek Ground Chicken Bowls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken and tzatziki sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored separately. Simply reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
For meal prepping, you can assemble the full bowls in advance and refrigerate. Just hold off on adding the tzatziki sauce until right before eating, as the cucumbers can make the sauce watery if stored together for too long.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
Creative Greek Ground Chicken Bowls Variations
The great thing about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Try swapping the ground chicken for ground turkey or lamb for a different protein twist. You can also mix up the veggies, using spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini instead of (or in addition to) the tomatoes and cucumbers.
For a heartier meal, serve the Greek Ground Chicken over a bed of cooked farro or bulgur wheat. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the seasonings, adding a dash of dried oregano or a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Making Greek Ground Chicken Bowls Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply serve the Greek Ground Chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or quinoa. For a low-carb version, skip the grains altogether and double down on the veggies.
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can make a delicious cashew-based tzatziki sauce in place of the Greek yogurt version. Just blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, garlic, dill, and a bit of water until smooth and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work perfectly in this recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter since turkey cooks a bit faster than chicken.
Q: Do I have to make the tzatziki sauce from scratch?
A: Not at all! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce instead. Just be sure to give it a taste and adjust any seasoning as needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftover Greek Ground Chicken Bowls will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken and tzatziki can be stored separately for best results.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping! You can make the chicken and tzatziki sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Just assemble the bowls right before serving, adding the sauce just before eating.
Q: My chicken is coming out dry. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through. You can also try adding a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep it moist.
Delicious Greek Ground Chicken Bowls
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with these easy-to-make Greek Ground Chicken Bowls. Seasoned ground chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce come together for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp Greek seasoning
– 1 cup uncooked rice
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. 2. Add the ground chicken and Greek seasoning. Cook, breaking up the chicken with a spatula, until it’s cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. 3. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package instructions.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
5. 5. Top each serving with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
For a low-carb option, serve the Greek ground chicken over a bed of lettuce instead of rice. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking, such as adding diced bell peppers or kalamata olives.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Conclusion
Greek Ground Chicken Bowls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly meal. With their bold flavors, satisfying texture, and endless customization possibilities, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my household. I know your family is going to love it just as much as mine does. So what are you waiting for? Give these Greek Ground Chicken Bowls a try tonight and let me know how it goes!
