Healthy Fitness Meals: Green Chicken Bowl

Rena Awada is the passionate foodie behind the blog Healthy Fitness Meals. Originally from Sierra Leone, in West Africa, Rena has called Detroit, Michigan, home since 1999. After earning her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Michigan, she embarked on a different path than she initially planned: sharing her passion for wholesome cooking. Below, she shares her recipe for her Greek Chicken Bowl. —Vita Daily

Greek Chicken Bowl

This Greek Chicken bowl is exactly what you need for an easy lunch or dinner! Made with quinoa, fresh cucumber, kalamata olives, and grilled chicken breasts for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Dressing/Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Kosher pepper, to taste

Quinoa Bowls

• 1 ½ cups quinoa, uncooked
• 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 red onion, medium, diced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted

Method

• Add the quinoa to a small saucepan together with 2 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Place over medium heat and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Once the quinoa is done cooking, drain if needed, then set aside and allow it to cool.
• To a small jar add all dressing/marinade ingredients and stir vigorously to emulsify.
• Pour about 1/3 of the marinade over the chicken and toss to completely coat. Reserve the remaining marinade to use as dressing, making sure it doesn’t touch the raw meat.
• Heat a grill pan or an outside grill over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and grill for 6-8 min per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reads 165F.
• Divide the cooled quinoa among 4 serving bowls. Top with the grilled chicken and prepped veggies.
• Add the Crumble feta cheese and kalamata olives over the chicken bowl and drizzle with the remaining untouched dressing.

Notes

• Store the leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• You may use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Make sure the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use any oil you have. Either avocado, grapeseed, or any other neutral oil will work.
• Do not overcook the chicken or it will be too tough.
• Want to use boneless chicken thighs? Go right ahead.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and load it up with more veggies.
• If meal prepping this meal, do not mix the dressing in. Store it separately until ready to serve.