I absolutely love this Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe because it brings together so many bold, vibrant flavors in one easy-to-make dish. The combination of tender, well-seasoned chicken with that silky, tangy feta tahini sauce is honestly addictive—I find myself craving it again and again. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner or something to impress guests without fuss, this recipe always hits the spot.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together, yet the flavors tasted like I’d been slow-cooking all day. The kale salad tossed with olives, pepperoncini, and sesame seeds adds a fresh crunch and a perfect contrast to the creamy sauce. Trust me, once you make these Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for healthy, satisfying meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Bursting with Flavor: A vibrant mix of savory, tangy, and spicy elements that keep each bite exciting.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein, greens, and wholesome fats for a nourishing meal.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even a casual dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The combination of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients really makes this Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe shine. You’ll want to keep an eye out for quality feta and fresh kale to get the best flavor and texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook perfectly without drying out.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the chicken a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that punchy, savory note.
- Italian/Greek seasoning: I usually make my own blend—oregano and thyme really pop.
- Honey: Balances the savory spices with a touch of sweetness.
- Chili flakes, salt, and black pepper: Adjust these to taste to get just the right heat and seasoning.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness but breasts work well too.
- Kale: A hearty, nutrient-packed green that stands up well to the bold flavors.
- Greek olives: Adds a salty briny surprise that brightens the dish.
- Pepperoncini: I love the tangy, slightly spicy kick these bring to the bowl.
- Sesame seeds or pine nuts: Optional, but they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Rice: A neutral base to soak up all the delicious sauce and juices.
- Chopped fresh dill: My favorite fresh herb here—it adds a fragrant, bright finish.
- Feta cheese: Essential for the creamy sauce, the tangiest cheese really makes the difference.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and balances the feta’s saltiness for the sauce.
- Tahini: The star in the sauce, giving it that luxurious nutty texture.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the sauce bright and fresh.
Variations
I love how flexible this Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe is—feel free to swap ingredients based on what you love or have on hand. Customizing it has become part of the fun for me, especially when catering to picky eaters or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian variation: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for a satisfying vegetarian bowl.
- Spice it up: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bolder kick—I’ve learned the hard way that a little heat enhances the tahini sauce beautifully.
- Greens swap: If kale isn’t your thing, try baby spinach or arugula for a milder, tender green base.
- Grain alternative: Quinoa or cauliflower rice work just as well if you’re aiming for gluten-free or lower-carb options.
How to Make Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, chopped garlic, Italian or Greek seasoning, honey, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Spread the chicken evenly on a baking sheet so each piece has room to roast rather than steam. Bake for about 15 minutes, then toss to ensure even cooking and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Watching the chicken carefully here makes a big difference; you want juicy pieces with a nice color without drying them out.
Step 2: Toss the Kale Salad
While the chicken roasts, combine chopped kale with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, pitted Greek olives, pepperoncini, sesame seeds or pine nuts, salt, and a pinch of chili flakes. If you like your kale a little less tough, you can add it to the baking sheet with the chicken during the last 1-2 minutes of baking—this quick wilt makes it easier to chew but still fresh and vibrant. I like this trick especially when I’m pressed for time.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce
In a blender, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, tahini, grated garlic, lemon juice, honey, and about ¼ cup of water. Blend until silky smooth, adding more water if you want a thinner consistency for drizzling. This sauce is truly the star—it’s tangy, creamy, and has an irresistible nutty edge. Taste toward the end and adjust salt or chili flakes to get it just right for your palate.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
To serve, pile the kale salad and roasted chicken over fluffy rice. Drizzle generously with the creamy tahini feta sauce and the spicy oil left on the baking sheet. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill for that herbal brightness. When I first layered the bowls like this, I noticed how well every bite balanced—warm rice, savory chicken, crisp greens, and luscious sauce. It’s truly comforting and fresh at the same time.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let the cubed chicken sit out for 10 minutes before roasting to cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- Massage Your Kale: Give the kale a quick massage with lemon and olive oil before assembling to soften it and reduce bitterness.
- Control the Sauce Consistency: Add water slowly while blending the tahini feta sauce—you can always thin it, but thick sauce might be hard to spread evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken enough space on the baking sheet to achieve nice browning; steaming chicken can make it less flavorful.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top these bowls with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh dill—its bright, slightly sweet flavor really balances the richness of the tahini feta sauce. Sometimes I add a few extra olives or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that satisfying crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra drizzle of good olive oil or some fresh lemon zest gives it an even fresher finish.
Side Dishes
Since this dish feels like a full meal on its own, I often keep sides simple. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with red onion and red wine vinegar is amazing alongside, or some warm pita bread to scoop up any leftover sauce and nails it every time. For a more indulgent twist, roasted lemon potatoes or a Greek-inspired orzo salad are nice companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these bowls family-style, with all components separated on a big platter so everyone can build their own. It makes the meal feel festive and interactive. Another fun idea: use colorful serving bowls to highlight the vibrant ingredients, or turn the bowls into wraps using warm flatbreads for a handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover chicken, kale salad, and tahini feta sauce separately in airtight containers. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents things from getting soggy. When refrigerated, the components last well for up to 3–4 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Freezing the chicken works great if you’re meal prepping, but I avoid freezing the kale salad since it wilts and loses texture. The tahini feta sauce can be frozen in small portions, but I recommend freezing without yogurt for best texture and adding it fresh later. Personally, I freeze the chicken in freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop the chicken and kale separately into the oven or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. I add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the chicken moist. The sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so I drizzle it on after reheating. This technique helps keep all the textures and flavors as delicious as day one.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my favorite because they tend to stay juicier and more tender during roasting. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the breasts so they cook evenly.
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Is there a good substitute for tahini in the feta sauce?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, smooth peanut butter or almond butter can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly. For the closest match, try to use roasted sesame paste or increase the yogurt and feta slightly for creaminess.
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How spicy is this Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is mild to moderate, coming mostly from chili flakes and pepperoncini. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less chili flakes based on your preference. My family enjoys the balance, but you should definitely tailor it to your heat tolerance.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the rice for a gluten-free grain like quinoa or cauliflower rice, and double-check that your seasonings don’t contain any gluten additives. The recipe is naturally gluten-free aside from the grain base.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the chicken, kale salad, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess. Leftovers keep well for about 3 to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, flavorful, and just plain delicious. I love sharing it with friends who are amazed by how simple ingredients come together so beautifully. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s full of vibrant tastes and textures, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it. And honestly, it’s one of those dishes where you feel good eating it, and your whole family will go crazy for the layers of flavor!
PrintGreek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tahini Feta Sauce combine tender oven-baked chicken seasoned with Mediterranean spices and honey, served over a vibrant kale salad with olives and pepperoncini. Topped with a luscious, creamy feta tahini sauce and fresh dill, this dish offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Salad
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp Italian/Greek seasoning (blend of dried oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and marjoram)
- 1 tsp honey
- Chili flakes, salt, and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds or pine nuts
- Rice, for serving
- Chopped fresh dill, for serving
Tahini Feta Sauce
- 4–6 oz feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the chicken and wilting the kale.
- Prepare and bake chicken: On a baking sheet, toss the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, chopped garlic, Italian/Greek seasoning, honey, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Spread it evenly and bake for 15 minutes. Toss the chicken to ensure even cooking, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
- Make kale salad: Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the chopped kale with 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sliced olives, pepperoncini, sesame seeds or pine nuts, salt, and chili flakes. For a lightly wilted texture, add the kale to the sheet pan during the last 1-2 minutes of chicken cooking time.
- Prepare the tahini feta sauce: In a blender, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, tahini, grated garlic, lemon juice, honey, and ¼ cup water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and chili flakes if needed.
- Assemble the bowls: Serve the baked chicken and kale salad over cooked rice. Drizzle the creamy tahini feta sauce generously over the bowls. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped dill on top for an aromatic touch.
Notes
- Italian/Greek seasoning can be made by blending equal parts dried oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, and marjoram.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for leaner meat.
- Adjust chili flakes and pepperoncini quantities to control the spice level.
- The tahini feta sauce can be thinned with water gradually to your preferred consistency.
- Serve with warm rice, quinoa, or couscous as a base.
- Sesame seeds or pine nuts add a nice crunch; toast them lightly for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg