Description
These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table! Juicy, marinated chicken is served over fluffy basmati rice with fresh veggies, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A perfect healthy meal prep option or quick dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or quinoa)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated (excess water squeezed out)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Grill or Skillet Method: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F or 75°C internal temperature).
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3️⃣ Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (excess water squeezed out), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked basmati rice among bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olives, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Garnish with extra parsley or dill, and enjoy!
Notes
Boost Flavor: Add a dash of sumac or lemon zest to the tzatziki for extra depth.
Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.
For Extra Creaminess: Mix a spoonful of hummus into the tzatziki sauce.
