Transform busy weeknights with this easy Greek chicken recipe! One marinade, two meals—protein-packed wraps for dinner & bowls for lunch. Family favorite!
Easy Greek Chicken Recipe: 2 Delicious Ways (Wraps & Bowls)
There’s nothing quite like finding that one recipe that solves your “what’s for dinner?” dilemma and sets you up for tomorrow’s lunch. You know the feeling—standing in front of the fridge after a long day, wishing for something quick, healthy, and actually delicious that doesn’t require a culinary degree to pull off.
That’s exactly what this greek chicken recipe delivers, and honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for surviving hectic weeks. Over a million people have fallen in love with this recipe, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The magic lies in its brilliant simplicity: one incredible marinade, multiple cooking options, and two completely different meals that’ll make you feel like a meal prep genius.
Here’s how it works: You marinate tender chicken thighs in a yogurt-based blend infused with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. The yogurt keeps everything incredibly moist while the spices create those crave-worthy flavors. Cook up a batch (air fryer, oven, or stovetop—your choice), and you’ve got protein-packed wraps for tonight’s dinner. Then, with literally the same ingredients, you transform leftovers into vibrant nourish bowls perfect for grabbing on busy mornings.
If you’re juggling work, family, or just want to simplify your cooking routine without sacrificing flavor, this greek chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients, and absolutely no boring bland chicken. Just real food that real people actually want to eat.
Recipe Details:
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight for best results)
- Cooking Time: 8-16 minutes (depending on method)
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Greek Chicken Marinade (Makes 4 Servings):
- 600g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 100g low-fat Greek yogurt (Chobani or your favorite brand)
- 20ml olive oil
- 10g paprika
- 10g dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the marinade time! The yogurt enzymes work magic on the chicken, making it incredibly tender. Overnight marinating gives you restaurant-quality results.
For Greek Chicken Wraps (Per Serving):
- 1 serving marinated chicken (approximately 150g cooked)
- 1 wrap (Lebanese bread, Mission Souvlaki Bread, or low-carb wraps like Simson’s Pantry High Protein)
- 20g tzatziki sauce (Chris’ brand or homemade)
- 20g iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 50g tomato, diced
- 50g cucumber, diced
- 10g red onion, thinly sliced
- 10g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 10g feta cheese, crumbled (Dodoni or your favorite)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Greek Chicken Bowls (Per Serving):
- 1 serving marinated chicken (approximately 150g cooked)
- 125g cooked brown rice
- 20g tzatziki sauce
- 20g iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 50g tomato, diced
- 50g cucumber, diced
- 10g red onion, thinly sliced
- 10g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 10g feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh lemon juice for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, paprika, oregano, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, aromatic marinade. The color should be a beautiful terracotta orange from the paprika.
Add your chicken thighs to the bowl and use your hands (or tongs if you prefer) to massage the marinade into every bit of the chicken. Make sure each piece is completely coated—this is where the flavor happens!
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable bag. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you’re planning ahead (which I highly recommend), let it marinate overnight. You’ll wake up knowing dinner is halfway done, and that’s a beautiful feeling.
Step 2: Cook Your Greek Chicken (Choose Your Method)
The beauty of this greek chicken recipe is its flexibility. Pick whichever cooking method works best for your kitchen setup:
Air Fryer Method (My Favorite!):
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of getting those lovely crispy edges. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and some gorgeous golden-brown spots on the outside.
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the chicken thighs on the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark. The chicken should be cooked through with slightly charred edges that pack tons of flavor.
Pan-Fry Method:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add your chicken thighs. Let them cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes per side—resist the urge to move them around! You want that beautiful golden crust. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the juices run clear.
Chef’s Tip: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those delicious juices locked inside instead of running all over your cutting board.
Step 3: Build Your Wraps or Bowls
For Greek Chicken Wraps:
Warm your wraps slightly in a dry pan or microwave for 10-15 seconds—this makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Lay the wrap flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki right down the center.
Slice your cooked greek chicken recipe chicken into strips and pile them on top of the tzatziki. Add the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Now here’s the trick to wrapping: fold in the sides first, then tightly roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go. Slice in half on a diagonal for that professional cafe look. Serve immediately while everything’s still warm and fresh.
For Greek Chicken Bowls:
Start with your cooked brown rice as the base—I like to fluff it with a fork first. Slice your chicken and arrange it over the rice along with all your fresh vegetables. Create little sections with each ingredient for that beautiful “restaurant bowl” presentation.
Dollop the tzatziki on top (or drizzle it—your bowl, your rules), scatter the feta and olives, and finish with a generous handful of fresh parsley. Give everything a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating. The acidity brightens up all the flavors and takes this greek chicken recipe to the next level.
Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Greek Chicken
Chicken Choice Matters: While chicken breasts work in a pinch, thighs are the real MVP here. They stay juicy even if you slightly overcook them, and they absorb the marinade better. Trust me on this one—your greek chicken recipe will be so much better with thighs.
Yogurt Magic: The Greek yogurt isn’t just for flavor. The lactic acid in yogurt acts as a natural meat tenderizer, breaking down proteins and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Regular yogurt works too, but Greek yogurt’s thickness helps the marinade cling better.
Meal Prep Like a Pro: Cook all four servings of chicken at once, but store the components separately. Keep the chicken in one container, the chopped veggies in another, and the rice in a third. This keeps everything fresh for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy!
Customize Your Heat: If your household likes things spicy, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle some hot sauce into your wrap. For kids, you can dial back the garlic and oregano slightly for milder flavors.
Wrap Options: The wrap you choose dramatically changes the nutritional profile. Standard Lebanese bread runs around 280 calories, while high-protein low-carb wraps can be as low as 110 calories. Choose based on your goals—both taste great with this greek chicken recipe.
Recipe Variations
Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Add roasted red peppers, fresh spinach, or grilled zucchini to your wraps or bowls for extra nutrients and color.
Protein Swap: Not a chicken fan? This marinade works beautifully with lamb, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Grain Changes: Swap brown rice for quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping carbs lower. Each brings its own texture and nutritional benefits to your greek chicken recipe.
Sauce Upgrades: While tzatziki is traditional and delicious, try hummus, tahini sauce, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving of Marinated Chicken Only:
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
Per Greek Chicken Wrap (using Lebanese bread):
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
Per Greek Chicken Bowl (with brown rice):
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes used.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, keep the chicken separate from the fresh vegetables and rice.
To reheat: Microwave the chicken for 60-90 seconds or warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out. The greek chicken recipe flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers taste even better!
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine with this greek chicken recipe, though it tends to dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes and watch it carefully. The internal temperature should still reach 75°C (165°F).
Is the overnight marinade really necessary?
While you can get away with just 1 hour, overnight marinating truly transforms the chicken. The flavors penetrate deeper, and the texture becomes incredibly tender. If time allows, always choose the overnight option for your greek chicken recipe.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
Regular plain yogurt works, though it’s thinner so you might need slightly less. In a pinch, buttermilk or even a mixture of sour cream thinned with lemon juice can work for this greek chicken recipe marinade.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative in the marinade, and skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta substitute. You’ll still get amazing flavor from the herbs, lemon, and spices.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 75°C (165°F). Visually, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside, and when you cut into it, the juices should run clear with no pink remaining.
Why This Recipe Works
This greek chicken recipe hits that sweet spot between impressive and effortless. The yogurt marinade does double duty—tenderizing the meat while creating a flavorful crust when cooked. The combination of paprika and oregano brings that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth without overwhelming the palate.
What really sets this apart is the built-in versatility. You’re not eating the same meal twice. Monday night’s family dinner wraps become Tuesday’s lunch bowl, and somehow they feel like completely different meals. That’s the kind of smart cooking that saves time, reduces food waste, and keeps everyone happy.
The high protein content (24-45g per serving depending on how you build it) keeps you satisfied for hours, making this perfect whether you’re focused on fitness goals, trying to eat healthier, or just want meals that actually fill you up. And because the greek chicken recipe uses whole, recognizable ingredients, you can feel good about serving it to your family.
Let’s Connect!
Did this greek chicken recipe make your weeknight dinners easier? I’d love to see your creations! Share your wraps and bowls with us on social media and let me know which version you loved more.
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Don’t forget to check out our complete recipe collection for more family-friendly meal ideas that actually work for busy schedules!
If you’re tired of complicated recipes that require a million ingredients and hours of your time, this greek chicken recipe is your solution. It proves that simple doesn’t mean boring, and that taking care of yourself and your family with nourishing meals doesn’t have to be stressful.
Make a batch this week. Enjoy the wraps for dinner while they’re warm and fresh. Pack up those bowls for lunch and feel smug when your coworkers ask where you got that amazing-looking food. Tell them you made it yourself, because you absolutely can.
This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation—the one you turn to when life gets hectic and you need something reliable, delicious, and genuinely satisfying. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes in the comments below!
Happy cooking! 🌯🥗