Quick Greek-Style Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe for Tasty Dinners

A mouthwatering chicken gyro bowl that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Greece.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance across tender, marinated meat nestled in a bed of fluffy rice.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, promising a culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables add a fresh crunch that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.

Zesty tzatziki sauce weaves magic throughout the bowl, creating layers of incredible taste.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe brings restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in.

Why Chicken Gyro Bowls Make Mealtime So Easy

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and smoky spices that transport your taste buds straight to Greece.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or mix up toppings to create a personalized meal that suits your cravings perfectly.
• Quick and Nutritious Weeknight Winner: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki, this dish delivers a balanced meal in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Simple skillet or grill pan technique makes cooking foolproof, ensuring juicy chicken and restaurant-quality results every single time.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Chicken: Tender protein base that absorbs marinade flavors and provides hearty meal foundation.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Help tenderize chicken and create bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to enhance overall dish.
• Oregano, Cumin, Paprika: Classic Mediterranean spices that bring depth and warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Rice: Neutral foundation for assembling gyro bowl.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh base adding texture and nutrition.
• Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and vibrant colors.

• Feta Cheese, Olives: Traditional Greek ingredients adding tangy and salty notes.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for tzatziki sauce.
• Dill, Lemon Juice, Garlic: Flavor enhancers for tzatziki sauce.
• Salt: Helps balance tzatziki sauce flavor.

How To Build Chicken Gyro Bowls

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper

Massage the marinade into the chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage. Let the chicken soak up those incredible Mediterranean flavors for 30 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken to Perfection

Fire up a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. You’ll want to see an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice or chop into delectable bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Thick Greek yogurt
• Freshly grated cucumber
• Zesty lemon juice
• Crushed garlic
• Chopped fresh dill
• Pinch of salt

Stir everything together and pop it in the refrigerator to chill until serving time.

Step 4: Build Your Mediterranean Feast

• Fluffy rice
• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Seasoned chicken pieces
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Crisp cucumber slices
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Briny kalamata olives

Drizzle the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce over the top and get ready to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean!

Tips For Better Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the zesty blend for up to 24 hours to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Perfect Tzatziki Trick: Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery sauce and ensure a thick, creamy consistency.
• Smart Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the Mediterranean essence.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components ahead and store separately in airtight containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to create a lighter, low-carb alternative that's equally satisfying.

How To Store Chicken Gyro Bowls For Later

• Refrigerate: Store chicken gyro bowls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate sauce and toppings from base ingredients to maintain freshness.
• Separate Storage: Keep tzatziki sauce, chopped vegetables, and chicken in individual containers to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
• Reheat Chicken: Warm chicken gently in microwave or skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying. Use medium heat and stir occasionally for even heating.
• Serve Fresh: Add cold toppings like cucumber, tomatoes, and feta after reheating to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting.

Great Pairings With Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Unpack Mediterranean Flavors: Pair this gyro bowl with a crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko, which cuts through the rich chicken and complements the tangy tzatziki with its citrusy notes.
• Refresh with Herbal Companions: Add a cold bottle of Mythos beer or a sparkling lemonade to balance the robust spices and provide a cooling contrast to the warm chicken.
• Elevate with Mediterranean Sides: Serve alongside warm pita bread or a small Greek salad to enhance the bowl's traditional flavors and add extra texture and freshness.
• Boost with Zesty Accompaniments: Include a small portion of hummus or tabbouleh as a side dish to round out the meal and provide additional Mediterranean authenticity.

Fun Twists On Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl: Swap rice with protein-packed quinoa, add roasted red peppers, and sprinkle za'atar spice for an extra Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Greek Chicken Bowl: Incorporate harissa paste into the marinade, add pickled jalapeños, and use a zesty chili-infused tzatziki sauce for heat lovers.
• Vegetarian Greek Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or crispy falafel, keep the original tzatziki sauce, and load up on fresh vegetables.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the rice base, use large lettuce leaves as wraps, and double the fresh vegetable toppings for a lighter meal option.

FAQs For Chicken Gyro Bowls

• What makes chicken gyro bowls different from traditional gyros?

These bowls deconstruct the classic gyro sandwich, allowing more flexibility in ingredients and making them easier to customize and eat compared to the traditional wrapped version.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same delicious Mediterranean seasonings and flavors.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, this recipe is quite nutritious. It features lean protein, fresh vegetables, Greek yogurt-based sauce, and balanced ingredients that provide good protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

• How spicy are these chicken gyro bowls?

The recipe has mild, aromatic spices like oregano and cumin that add flavor without significant heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add red pepper flakes or extra paprika to the marinade.

Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in these chicken gyro bowls, delivering a perfect blend of grilled spiced chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki. Savory ingredients transport diners straight to Greek culinary landscapes, inviting you to enjoy a delightful, balanced meal packed with fresh ingredients and bold tastes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Base and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken marinade by combining zesty citrus, aromatic herbs, and robust spices in a mixing vessel. Thoroughly coat the poultry, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply for optimal taste development. Let the meat rest and absorb the marinade’s essence for a minimum of half an hour.
2. Ignite a cooking surface to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal environment for searing the marinated protein. Cook the chicken with precision, ensuring each side achieves a golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature. Allow the meat to relax momentarily before transforming it into delectable bite-sized morsels.
3. Craft the creamy tzatziki by blending tangy Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, bright lemon essence, pungent garlic, delicate dill, and a whisper of salt. Chill the sauce to enhance its flavor profile and maintain its refreshing consistency.
4. Construct the culinary canvas by layering fluffy rice and crisp romaine as the foundation. Artfully arrange the succulent chicken pieces as the centerpiece, then embellish with vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, crumbled feta, and briny olives. Culminate the creation by drizzling the luscious tzatziki sauce, transforming the bowl into a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Notes

• Enhance marination by scoring chicken slightly to help flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Quick pickle red onions in lemon juice for added tanginess and softer texture in the bowl.
• Swap white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, higher-protein alternative that keeps the Mediterranean vibe.
• Make tzatziki ahead of time and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg