Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Budget Greek Chicken Bowls - featured image

Budget Greek Chicken Bowls: 25-Minute Meal Under $3


  • Author: Luciana
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A quick, affordable, and flavorful meal featuring seared chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a tangy yogurt sauce, costing under $3 per serving.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice (divided)
  • 1.5 tsp dry oregano (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 0.25 cup halved Kalamata olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and slice horizontally into thin cutlets.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of half a lemon, 1 tsp oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, and 0.5 tsp salt. Rub mixture over chicken and let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  4. In a saucepan, combine rice, 2 cups water, and 0.5 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 2 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, juice of remaining half lemon, 1 minced garlic clove, 0.5 tsp oregano, and 0.25 tsp salt. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
  7. Assemble bowls by spooning rice into a bowl, topping with sliced chicken, drizzling with yogurt sauce, and sprinkling with feta and olives if using.

Notes

Chicken breast dries out easily, so do not overcook. Buy rice in bulk to save money. The yogurt sauce can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for 4 days. Do not freeze this recipe as the yogurt sauce separates upon thawing.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: budget meals, greek chicken, quick dinner, meal prep, healthy eating, cheap recipes, chicken bowls, yogurt sauce