Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. (Pro tip: Marinating at room temp, rather than cold from the fridge, allows the flavors to penetrate more effectively in a short time).
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and measure out the olives. This "mise en place" ensures a smooth cooking process and keeps the total time under 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, reserving any excess marinade. Sautéing, which means cooking quickly in a small amount of fat over direct heat, is ideal here. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked chicken evenly among four bowls. Arrange the prepared cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives around the chicken. Unlike a tossed salad, this bowl assembly lets each ingredient shine visually and texturally.
- Add Cheese and Sauce: Generously crumble the feta cheese over each bowl. Then, dollop a quarter cup of tzatziki sauce on top of each serving. In my tests, adding the sauce last keeps it cool and creamy, providing a perfect contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish your quick and delicious keto meal with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for a burst of color and aroma. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm for the best flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes