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Healthy Greek Chicken Protein Plates - Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Olive oil: Extra-virgin, for marinade and drizzling
  • Lemon: Zest and juice of 1–2 lemons
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Greek yogurt: 1 cup, plain (2% or whole for best texture)
  • Cucumber: 1 small, grated or finely chopped (for tzatziki)
  • Fresh dill: 2–3 tablespoons, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried, or 2 tablespoons fresh
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1–2 cups, halved
  • Cucumber: 1 large, chopped (for the plates)
  • Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup, pitted
  • Feta cheese: 1/2–3/4 cup, crumbled
  • Cooked grains: 3–4 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro
  • Spinach or arugula: 4 cups
  • Red wine vinegar: 1–2 tablespoons (for quick salad dressing)
  • Optional add-ins: Chickpeas, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, pita wedges, pepperoncini

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, juice, garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours in the fridge.
  2. Make the tzatziki: Squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber with a towel. Stir together Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
  3. Prep the veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes, chop cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and pit/slice olives. Crumble feta. Set aside.
  4. Cook the grains: Prepare quinoa, brown rice, or farro according to package directions. Fluff and cool slightly.
  5. Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear. For stovetop, heat a skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  6. Toss a quick salad base: In a bowl, combine spinach or arugula with a splash of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Keep it light; the tzatziki will add creaminess later.
  7. Assemble the plates: Add a scoop of grains and a handful of greens to each plate or bowl. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Add a spoonful of tzatziki and a squeeze of lemon. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
  8. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with extra dill or oregano. Add optional chickpeas or roasted peppers for more fiber and flavor.