1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is air frying, prepare your base. If you haven’t already, ensure your quinoa or brown rice is cooked and warm. You can also toss the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions with a tiny splash of lemon juice and salt for extra zest.
Divide the cooked grains evenly among four bowls. Place a generous portion of the hot air-fried chicken on top of the grains. Arrange the fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and kalamata olives around the chicken.
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and juicy.