The Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe is a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious meal that brings the heart of Mediterranean flavors to your table without the extra carbs. Imagine tender grilled chicken marinated in a tangy Greek dressing, layered over fluffy cauliflower rice, and topped with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta—all crowned with a dollop of refreshing tzatziki. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, colorful dish that feels indulgent but keeps things light and nourishing. Trust me, this bowl is a new favorite in my kitchen for its simplicity, flavor complexity, and how satisfying it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe plays a crucial role in building a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. From the bright acidity of red wine vinegar in the marinade to the creamy richness of feta cheese, these staples make the dish exciting yet approachable.
- Chicken breasts (~1 lb, pounded): Ensures even cooking and a juicy, tender texture to soak up the marinade perfectly.
- English cucumber (quartered and chopped): Adds a crisp, cooling bite that contrasts beautifully with the grilled chicken.
- Red onion (halved and thinly sliced): Brings a mild pungency and crunch, balancing savory and fresh flavors.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, they brighten up every bite.
- Kalamata olives (halved): These olives add a salty, fruity punch that is signature to Greek cuisine.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts gently into the warm cauliflower rice and complements the chicken.
- Tzatziki sauce: A cooling yogurt-based sauce that brings herbaceous freshness and a creamy texture.
- Chopped fresh herbs (dill or parsley): Vital for a fragrant finish that uplifts all flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Key to the marinade and sautéing, this adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- Red wine vinegar: Gives the marinade its tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- Dried minced onion or onion powder: Enhances the savory base of the marinade with a gentle onion flavor.
- Honey or granulated sugar: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness for perfect harmony.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
- Garlic clove (pressed or minced): Injects aromatic warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Dried oregano: This classic Greek herb infuses the dish with earthy, fragrant notes.
- Frozen cauliflower rice: A smart low-carb substitute for grains that absorbs flavors well while keeping calories low.
- Fresh lemon wedges: For squeezing over the finished bowl to add a pop of bright acidity.
How to Make Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greek Dressing and Marinade
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, honey, salt, garlic, dried oregano, and pepper in a tightly lidded jar or bowl until fully combined. This dressing is your star marinade that provides tangy complexity and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the pounded chicken breasts into a large Ziplock bag and pour in about one-third cup of the freshly made Greek dressing. Add additional salt and pepper, seal the bag tightly, and massage the marinade into the chicken so every inch is coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours if you have the time to let those flavors penetrate deeply.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear until they develop gorgeous char marks and release from the grill easily. If using a grill pan, spoon some marinade over the chicken before flipping; this step is skipped on an open grill to avoid flare-ups. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes to seal in the juices.
Step 4: Cook the Cauliflower Rice
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add frozen cauliflower rice and season with garlic salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender, stirring often. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy lift that complements the whole bowl.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Start by spooning the warm cauliflower rice evenly into four bowls. Slice or chop the rested grilled chicken and arrange it on top. Scatter the cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs generously. Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side and drizzle with extra Greek dressing for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze on as you please.
How to Serve Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley bring a fragrant brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness of feta and chicken. A few extra Kalamata olives add bursts of salty flavor, and finishing the bowl with extra tzatziki sauce delivers a creamy, cool contrast that elevates every bite. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—they add a refreshing citrus zing when squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to add some variety, light Greek-inspired sides such as a simple leaf salad with red wine vinaigrette or grilled asparagus drizzled in olive oil work fantastically. Keeping sides simple keeps the focus on the bold, fresh flavors in the bowl and keeps your meal light and low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, consider serving the ingredients separately so guests can build their own Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls, offering a bit of extra tzatziki, olives, and feta cheese on the side. Another idea is a layered mason jar presentation for an easy grab-and-go lunch option that looks as good as it tastes. Using colorful bowls or plating with fresh herbs sprinkled on top can make your serving even more inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover components of this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the grilled chicken sliced and the cauliflower rice in separate airtight containers so they maintain their texture. Store fresh vegetables and tzatziki separately to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
The grilled chicken and cauliflower rice freeze beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Avoid freezing fresh veggies or tzatziki as their texture and freshness degrade. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and cauliflower rice gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to prevent dryness. Add fresh vegetables and garnishes after reheating for that fresh crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious, juicier alternative that work wonderfully with the marinade. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can skip the feta cheese and use a dairy-free tzatziki alternative, such as a coconut yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, to keep the dish dairy-free while still enjoying that creamy texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works perfectly to get those delicious sear marks on the chicken. Just ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for the best results.
How can I make the cauliflower rice more flavorful?
Sauteeing it with garlic salt, pepper, dried oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice really amplifies its taste. You could also toss in a little fresh chopped parsley or dill to match the flavors of the bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe is superb for meal prep. The components store well separately, and assembly is quick, making your weeknight dinners or lunches both healthy and effortless.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe enough for anyone craving a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration of fresh Mediterranean ingredients. The balance of textures and bright flavors makes it perfect for any day of the week, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s become one of my go-to dishes!
PrintLow Carb Greek Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. It features marinated grilled chicken breast served over sautéed cauliflower rice, topped with fresh cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. With a zesty homemade Greek dressing that doubles as a marinade, this bowl is bursting with Mediterranean flavors while keeping it low in carbohydrates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts (~1lb, pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 scant cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder)
- 1 teaspoon honey OR granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove (pressed or minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pepper (to taste)
- Additional salt and pepper (for seasoning chicken before grilling)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 English cucumber (quartered then chopped)
- 1/2 red onion (halved then thinly sliced)
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Kalamata olives (halved)
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs: dill or parsley
- Tzatziki sauce (e.g., Good Foods brand)
- Fresh lemon wedges
Cauliflower Rice
- Frozen cauliflower rice (as much as desired)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
- Garlic salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Pinch dried oregano
- Fresh lemon juice (a drizzle)
Instructions
- Make the Greek Dressing/Marinade: Combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, honey or sugar, salt, garlic, dried oregano, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until all ingredients are incorporated into a smooth dressing.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a large Ziplock bag, add one-third cup of the Greek dressing/marinade along with additional salt and pepper. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan over high heat or a grill to at least 500°F. Place the chicken breasts on the hot surface, reduce heat slightly to medium-high once the chicken is on. If using a grill pan, spoon some marinade over the chicken before flipping; avoid this on an open grill to prevent flare-ups. Grill until charred with nice grill marks and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing or chopping.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add frozen cauliflower rice, season with garlic salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Finish by squeezing in fresh lemon juice and mixing well.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked cauliflower rice evenly among four bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, then arrange chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, tzatziki sauce, and fresh herbs. Drizzle additional Greek dressing/marinade on top. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor; overnight is ideal.
- If you don’t have a grill pan or outdoor grill, the chicken can be cooked in a skillet or broiled in the oven, but grilling imparts the best flavor.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the Mediterranean taste.
- Choose a plain, Greek-style tzatziki for authenticity.
- Frozen cauliflower rice is a convenient low-carb alternative to grains and cooks quickly.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice at the end for perfect balance.
