Name: Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484220H10M49S
Total time: PT-484220H10M49S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat); 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and excess water squeezed out; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried dill (or fresh dill, if available); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa or rice (your choice); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)

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Looking for a fresh and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? Look no further than Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls! This delicious dish combines tender, seasoned chicken, a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce—all served in a customizable bowl that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With a balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats, these bowls are a nutritious and satisfying choice for anyone craving a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Topped with a homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is bursting with fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Greece. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, these Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy days when you want something wholesome and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Healthy and Wholesome

Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy yogurt-based sauce, these bowls offer a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

2. Flavorsome and Fresh

The combination of tangy tzatziki, juicy chicken, and crisp salad creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe comes together quickly, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps that make it ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

4. Customizable

You can customize the bowls with your favorite toppings, such as olives, feta cheese, or roasted vegetables, to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

These bowls are great for meal prepping ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy a healthy, home-cooked meal throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

Greek yogurt
Cucumber (grated and drained)
Fresh dill (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

For the Bowl:

Cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous (optional)
Cherry tomatoes (halved)
Cucumber (sliced)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Kalamata olives (optional)
Feta cheese (crumbled; optional)
Fresh parsley (chopped; optional)

Variations

1. Use Lamb Instead of Chicken

For a more authentic Greek flavor, swap the chicken for lamb. Lamb pairs wonderfully with tzatziki and adds a rich, savory taste to the bowls.

2. Make it Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas, falafel, or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.

3. Add More Grains

While the recipe calls for quinoa, rice, or couscous, you can experiment with other grains like farro, bulgur, or even a leafy green base like spinach or arugula.

4. Spicy Tzatziki

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the tzatziki sauce for an extra kick.

5. Swap Out Toppings

Get creative with your toppings! Add pickled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or avocado for additional textures and flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge) to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to drain out excess liquid), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Prepare the Bowl Ingredients

While the chicken cooks, prepare the bowl ingredients. Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. If you’re using quinoa, rice, or couscous, be sure to cook it according to package instructions.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

To assemble the bowls, start by adding a base of quinoa, rice, or couscous (optional). Layer on the sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Top with a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls immediately, garnished with any extra toppings you prefer. Enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender when sliced.
Grill for Extra Flavor: If you have a grill, cook the chicken on it for a smoky, charred flavor that complements the fresh ingredients in the bowl.
Customize Your Base: For a low-carb option, skip the quinoa or rice and use leafy greens or roasted cauliflower as a base.
Make it Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Adjust the Tzatziki: If you prefer a thicker tzatziki sauce, reduce the amount of cucumber or strain it before mixing it into the yogurt.

How to Serve

These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are great on their own as a filling and nutritious meal. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or as part of a Mediterranean-themed spread. Serve them with extra tzatziki sauce on the side, or even some pita bread for dipping. For a lighter option, skip the grains and serve the chicken and tzatziki over a bed of fresh greens for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will last for up to 3-4 days, and the tzatziki sauce can be stored for up to 5 days. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, the tzatziki sauce is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the yogurt. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying it out. Fresh tzatziki should be served chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will give you a juicier, more flavorful result.

2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki, but making your own adds a fresher, more personalized touch to the dish.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the bowls right before serving.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free grains or a vegetable base.

5. Can I use yogurt other than Greek yogurt?

You can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt offers a thicker, creamier texture that is ideal for tzatziki.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tzatziki or sprinkle some chili powder over the chicken before cooking.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the bowls?

Yes, feel free to add additional veggies like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes for more variety.

8. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or a hearty chickpea salad.

9. Can I use a different protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu for a plant-based protein.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a healthy, vibrant, and flavorful meal that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine into one satisfying bowl. With juicy grilled chicken, a tangy cucumber salad, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to customize, and sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy this wholesome meal on its own or with your favorite toppings for a fresh, filling, and flavorful experience!