Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives. That’s right, we’re diving into a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. Now, let me tell you, figuring out how to make this bowl was a journey for me. I remember the first time I tried to grill chicken and ended up with something that resembled rubber more than dinner. But hey, we all start somewhere, right?
So, here’s the thing: the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s got that balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, plus it’s customizable. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it’ll still taste great!
When I first made this dish, I was living in a tiny apartment with a kitchen that was basically a glorified closet. I had just gotten into cooking and was determined to create meals that didn’t involve a microwave. This rice bowl became one of my go-tos because it was simple, satisfying, and I could prep everything while the chicken was grilling. Honestly, it felt like a win.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Quick and Easy**: This bowl comes together in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those busy evenings.
- **Healthy and Filling**: The combination of grilled chicken, chickpeas, and fresh veggies keeps you full without weighing you down.
- **Flavorful**: The tzatziki adds a refreshing creaminess, while the olives bring a nice briny kick.
- **Customizable**: Don’t have something on the list? Swap it out! This recipe is forgiving and allows for creativity.
- **Minimal Equipment**: You don’t need fancy tools or gadgets; just a grill or stovetop, a pot for the rice, and a mixing bowl.
Honestly, if you can grill chicken and cook rice, you can make this dish. I promise!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice: This serves as the base, providing a hearty foundation for your bowl.
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced: Packed with protein and juicy flavor when cooked right.
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained: These add fiber and a nutty taste, making the dish more filling.
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced: Fresh and crunchy, it brightens up the bowl.
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved: Sweetness and a pop of color!
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: This herb gives a fresh, aromatic quality to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons black (Kalamata) olives: For that iconic briny flavor.
- 2 tablespoons green olives: More olive goodness and a different flavor profile!
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: This is the base for our tzatziki, adding creaminess and tang.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: A little punch of flavor that elevates the tzatziki.
- ¼ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed: This keeps the tzatziki fresh and light.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: We’ll use this for grilling the chicken and in the tzatziki.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: A dash of acidity to brighten everything up.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors!
You might be thinking, “But Andrea, what if I can’t find Kalamata olives?” Look, if you can’t find them, just use more green olives or skip them altogether! It’s all about what you enjoy and what’s available to you.
Let’s Get Started
Step 1: Grill the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan. Brush your chicken breast with olive oil, and season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if you have it). Grill the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked through and juicy. Here’s what to look for: when it’s done, the juices should run clear, and the outside should have a nice char. The smell? Oh, it’ll be heavenly!
Step 2: Cook the Rice and Prep the Veggies
While the chicken is grilling, get your rice cooking according to the package instructions. In a separate bowl, slice up your cucumber and tomatoes. You want them fresh and crisp, so don’t overthink it! Just make sure they’re bite-sized.
Step 3: Mix the Tzatziki
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated and squeezed cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it until it’s creamy and well combined. This tzatziki is going to be your new best friend!
Putting it All Together
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Grab two serving bowls. Start by dividing the cooked rice between them. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, followed by the cucumbers, chickpeas, and olives. It should look colorful and inviting!
Step 5: Add Tzatziki and Garnish
Finally, add a generous dollop of the tzatziki on top and sprinkle with fresh dill. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over everything for that finishing touch. Enjoy your bowl chilled or slightly warm—it’s delicious either way!
Tips for the Best Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
- Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rice or even microwaveable rice packets. They work just as well!
- Don’t skip the tzatziki; it’s what brings everything together and makes it special.
- If you like a little spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the tzatziki or grilled chicken.
- Feel free to swap out the chickpeas for other beans you might have on hand, like black beans or kidney beans.
Storage Tips
If you’re cooking for one or two, this dish is great for meal prep. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Just keep the tzatziki separate until you’re ready to eat. I’ve found that if you mix it all together too soon, the rice can get mushy. If you’re living alone or with roommates, consider dividing it into individual meal prep containers. That way, you can grab and go!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
Can I use grilled tofu instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Tofu is a great substitute. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess moisture before grilling.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries! You can use dried dill; just remember that dried herbs are more potent. About a teaspoon should do.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Swap the chicken for grilled veggies or more chickpeas, and replace the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt or tahini dressing.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and chickpeas separately. Just be mindful that the texture of the cucumbers won’t hold up well once frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I recommend reheating the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, but keep the tzatziki separate until you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives. It’s a dish that’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or making it for friends, it’s bound to impress. I’ll definitely be making this again soon, maybe even trying out different toppings or sides. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, and I hope you feel inspired to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives & Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons black (Kalamata) olives
- 2 tablespoons green olives
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the seasoned chicken breast (olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder) for about 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy.
- While it’s grilling, cook the rice and prep the veggies.
- Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl until creamy.
- In two serving bowls, divide the rice, and top with sliced chicken, cucumbers, chickpeas, olives, and a dollop of tzatziki.
- Garnish with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy chilled or slightly warm!
