**Ingredients**
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3/4 leaves fresh oregano
– 1 whole clove chopped garlic
– Salt and pepper, & paprika to taste
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Tzatziki sauce for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper, paprika. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture.
3. Grill or cook the chicken on the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. In serving bowls, layer quinoa or rice as the base.
5. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
6. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
7. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute them with thighs, or use grilled shrimp for a tasty variation.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist. However, you can use avocado oil or any neutral oil if olive oil isn’t available. They work just as well for marinating!
Oregano: Fresh oregano brings that classic Greek flavor. If you don’t have it, try using Italian seasoning or even dried oregano, which you would need to add more of for a bolder taste.
Rice: While white rice is a common choice, brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Coconut rice offers a tropical flair with a sweet touch, so any of these options will work based on what you like!
Feta Cheese: Feta is a must for that tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can try goat cheese or even try some diced mozzarella for a mild taste. Just make sure it’s crumbly for the best texture!
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Slicing too early can make it dry! Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time! Enjoy building your bowls!
-A