The Greek Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. Grilled, marinated chicken is served over a bed of fresh vegetables, rice, or greens, and topped with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. This bowl is a healthy, satisfying, and delicious way to enjoy Greek-inspired flavors in one easy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Bowls are a perfect blend of savory grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, offering a variety of textures and flavors in every bite. The zesty marinade for the chicken infuses it with flavor, while the homemade tzatziki adds a cool and refreshing contrast. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress at a dinner party, this bowl will not disappoint. It’s customizable to fit dietary preferences and is a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, couscous, or salad greens)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice (or your choice of grains or greens) into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives (if using).
- Serve: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version.
- Grain-Free: Serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of salad greens for a lighter, grain-free option.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is a classic Greek addition that pairs perfectly with the other flavors in this bowl.
- Swap the Sauce: For a dairy-free option, try a cashew-based tzatziki or a lemon tahini dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken, veggies, and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. The tzatziki sauce should be served cold, so keep it in the fridge until ready to eat.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will increase. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki sauce works well if you’re short on time. However, making your own gives a fresher and more flavorful result.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on a grill pan?
Yes, grilling the chicken on an outdoor grill adds extra smoky flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious.
4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it while it marinates.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free grains (like quinoa or rice) or a bed of greens. Be sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten in store-bought items.
6. How can I make the tzatziki sauce more tangy?
To make the tzatziki sauce tangier, you can add a little more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. Adjust to your personal taste.
7. Can I make this bowl without rice?
Yes, you can serve this Greek chicken bowl with quinoa, couscous, or over a salad instead of rice for a different twist.
8. How long can I store the tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
9. Can I make this meal in advance for meal prep?
Yes, this meal is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the bowls with cooked chicken, veggies, and grains, and store them in the fridge. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate until you’re ready to eat.
10. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or mix red pepper flakes into the tzatziki sauce.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce are the perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal that combines fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and a creamy sauce. This dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal option for a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the flavors of Greece right in your own kitchen!
Print
Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce: A Mediterranean Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Bowl Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce come together in one satisfying bowl. A healthy and customizable dish, perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious balance of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, couscous, or salad greens)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice (or your choice of grains or greens) into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives (if using).
- Serve: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Grain-Free: Serve over salad greens for a lighter, grain-free option.
- Add Feta: Crumbled feta cheese adds a classic Greek flavor to the bowl.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a cashew-based tzatziki or lemon tahini dressing for a dairy-free alternative
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