Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with flavor and fresh ingredients. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and a colorful medley of vegetables are layered over a bed of rice or quinoa for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bowls are full of bold, zesty flavors and offer a perfect balance of protein, fresh produce, and healthy fats. They’re easy to prep ahead, great for lunch or dinner, and totally customizable with your favorite Mediterranean toppings. Plus, the homemade tzatziki adds a creamy and refreshing touch that brings everything together beautifully.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or orzo
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Fresh dill
- Pita chips or flatbread (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill
- Salt and pepper
directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
- Make the Tzatziki: Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water. Mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of rice, quinoa, or orzo. Top with sliced chicken, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Add a generous scoop of tzatziki.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh dill and serve with pita chips or flatbread if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating)
Variations
- Swap chicken for lamb, shrimp, or falafel for a different protein.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add hummus or baba ganoush for more Mediterranean flair.
- Toss in greens like spinach or arugula to make it more salad-like.
- Make it dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt in the tzatziki.
storage/reheating
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or a skillet. Tzatziki and fresh veggies should be added after reheating. Avoid freezing due to the fresh nature of the ingredients and yogurt-based sauce.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki is a convenient option, though homemade has a fresher flavor.
Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely—just store everything separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy, but chicken breasts work well too.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate for 2–8 hours.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor and works perfectly for this recipe.
Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your grain base is gluten-free (like rice or quinoa) and you skip any pita bread.
Can I use another grain instead of rice or quinoa?
Yes, orzo, couscous, or farro are great alternatives.
How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
Homemade tzatziki stays fresh for about 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
What toppings go well with these bowls?
Chopped herbs, extra lemon juice, pepperoncini, or roasted chickpeas are great additions.
Are these bowls good for meal prep?
Definitely! Just keep the wet ingredients like tzatziki separate until serving.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home. With juicy marinated chicken, tangy tzatziki, and crisp vegetables, these bowls are both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for the week or making a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
PrintGreek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are fresh, flavorful, and easy to throw together. Juicy grilled chicken is paired with herby rice, homemade tzatziki, and crisp veggies for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
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1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the tzatziki sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 garlic clove, grated
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
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Salt, to taste
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For the bowls:
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
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1 cucumber, chopped
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
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Optional: hummus, pita wedges, or lemon wedges for serving
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Instructions
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
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Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
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Make the tzatziki: Combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Stir until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among serving bowls. Top with chicken, tomatoes, onion, olives, cucumber, and feta.
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Top it off: Spoon tzatziki on top and garnish with fresh herbs. Add hummus, pita, or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
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You can swap rice for quinoa or mixed greens for a lighter bowl.
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Use store-bought tzatziki to save time, but homemade adds the best flavor.
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Perfect for meal prep—just keep the sauce separate until serving.
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