If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than these Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls. This recipe takes all the beloved elements of a classic Greek meal and brings them together in a single bowl: juicy marinated chicken, tender rice, crisp veggies, briny olives, tangy feta, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s not only vibrant and wholesome, but each bite delivers a medley of freshness, savory depth, and creamy tang that just screams comfort—and it’s easy enough for any night of the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is that every ingredient shines and plays a key role in both taste and texture. Simple, pantry-friendly staples come together to create layers of flavor, vibrant color, and irresistible crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The foundation of your bowl—choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for lean protein.
- Olive oil: Essential for both marinating the chicken and lending a silky note to the dish.
- Lemon juice: Adds zippy brightness to the marinade and sauce, lifting all the flavors.
- Garlic: The secret to a truly savory, aromatic marinade and tzatziki sauce.
- Dried oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean herbal depth without overpowering.
- Salt & black pepper: Basic, but much-needed, to pull all flavors into harmony.
- Uncooked white or brown rice: A hearty base that soaks up the chicken juices and tzatziki beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness and color that make every bite pop.
- Cucumber: Brings crunch and a refreshing coolness, both in the bowls and the tzatziki.
- Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and beautiful purple color—slice thinly for the best texture.
- Kalamata olives: Offer salty, briny depth—absolutely essential for that unmistakable Greek flair.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds creaminess and tang that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top makes your bowls burst with garden freshness.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy, protein-packed base that makes tzatziki irresistible.
- Grated cucumber (for tzatziki): You’ll squeeze it dry for a thick, luscious sauce.
- Chopped fresh dill or dried dill: This classic herb brings that familiar tzatziki flavor to life.
How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Add your chicken and toss well to coat. Let the chicken soak in all those Mediterranean flavors for at least 15 minutes—if you have extra time, marinate up to four hours in the fridge for even more depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken does its thing, get going on the tzatziki. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated and well-squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh (or dried) dill, and salt. Give it a good stir and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls—the flavors meld wonderfully as it sits.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
This step is a breeze! Cook your chosen rice according to package directions, then fluff with a fork. White rice is classic, but brown rice adds a nutty undertone—either works, and both are delicious with the juicy chicken and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. If you prefer, you can roast the chicken in a hot oven (400°F) for 20–25 minutes. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly to make serving a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Now the fun part! Divide the fluffy rice among your bowls, then pile on those beautiful slices of chicken. Surround with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and a healthy handful of feta. Finally, drizzle that cool, creamy tzatziki sauce all over the top. If you love freshness, a sprinkle of chopped parsley makes the whole bowl sing.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Garnishes
Garnishing your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is more than just a finishing touch—it’s your chance to add a burst of freshness and visual flair. A handful of chopped parsley does wonders, but you can also add a wedge of lemon, extra dill, or even a few more olives for a briny pop.
Side Dishes
Although these bowls are quite complete, pairing them with warm pita bread, lemon roasted potatoes, or a tangy Greek salad takes the meal over the top. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad alongside adds extra crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls as wraps using warm pita or flatbread, or even as party-ready mini bowls for a more social, shareable meal. The toppings can also be laid out buffet-style so everyone creates their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bowls are perfect for meal prep! Store the chicken, rice, veggies, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Everything stays fresh for up to 3 days, and assembling your next bowl is a breeze.
Freezing
While the chicken and rice freeze beautifully (pack them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months), it’s best to skip freezing the fresh veggies and tzatziki, as cucumbers and yogurt sauces can become watery after thawing.
Reheating
To rewarm your chicken and rice, just pop them in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out. Once warm, top with fresh veggies and that luscious chilled tzatziki sauce for the ultimate Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of homemade?
Absolutely—you can use your favorite store-bought tzatziki in a pinch for these Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls, but making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and gives the freshest flavor every time.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, especially if you’re grilling, but breasts make for a leaner bowl. Use whichever you prefer!
Can I make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just be sure to check the labels on any store-bought additions, like pita, if you decide to serve some on the side.
Is there a vegan or vegetarian version of this bowl?
Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas, use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce, and skip the feta for a fully vegetarian or vegan Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl experience. You’ll get all the flavor and color without the meat or dairy.
How do I prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery?
Be sure to squeeze the grated cucumber as dry as possible before mixing it into the yogurt—this simple step ensures a thick, creamy sauce that won’t separate or pool with liquid in your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give these Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls a spot at your table soon—they’re vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Every bite brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Whip them up for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or your next get-together, and watch them become a new favorite!
Print
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a delicious and healthy meal option, featuring marinated chicken, flavorful tzatziki sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and chill.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in a skillet or grill pan until fully cooked, then slice.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls and top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Chicken can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Tzatziki sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
