Tantalizing Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

Zesty Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe for a Tasty Feast

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing mediterranean fusion with these greek chicken tzatziki bowls that promise to transport you straight to the sunny islands.

Succulent marinated chicken rests on a bed of fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cool, tangy kick that elevates every single bite.

Crisp cucumber, zesty herbs, and a sprinkle of feta cheese complete this vibrant dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

Each component brings authentic greek street food flair to your dinner table.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels like a culinary vacation.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Things Needed For Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

For Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist, choose extra virgin for richer taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds bright, zesty freshness, select ripe, firm lemons.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic base flavor, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced.
  • Oregano: Authentic Greek herb that brings earthy, slightly peppery notes, preferably dried Greek oregano.
  • Cumin: Adds warm, smoky undertone to marinade, select whole seeds and grind for best flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for depth.
For Protein:
  • Chicken: Main protein source, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender result, look for organic or free-range options.
For Tzatziki Components:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for sauce, select full-fat version for richness.
  • Cucumber: Provides crisp texture and cooling element, use English or Persian cucumbers for less seeds.
  • Fresh Dill: Adds herbaceous brightness, choose vibrant green sprigs.
  • Garlic: Gives tzatziki sharp, punchy flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings tangy brightness to sauce.
  • Salt: Balances flavors in tzatziki.
For Serving:
  • Rice: Neutral base for bowl, choose long-grain white or brown rice.
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds color and freshness, use chopped parsley or mint.
  • Optional Extras: Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese for additional Mediterranean flair.

Kitchen Tools For Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending marinade smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
  • Skillet or grill pan: Key for cooking chicken with perfect sear and flavor.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for slicing marinated chicken after cooking.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
  • Cutting board: Provides stable surface for preparing and slicing chicken.

How To Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

  • Create Flavor Fusion

Whip up a zesty marinade mixing olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, and aromatic herbs. Drench chicken pieces and let them soak up delicious Mediterranean flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

  • Sizzle and Seal

Fire up a skillet or grill at medium-high heat. Toss marinated chicken onto the cooking surface, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165F. Allow chicken to rest briefly before slicing.

  • Craft Tzatziki Magic

Blend creamy yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until smooth and refreshing.

  • Assemble Your Bowl

Layer a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. Top with sliced chicken, generously dollop tzatziki sauce, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, and add a handful of crisp cucumber chunks.

  • Garnish and Enjoy

Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, squeeze of lemon, and optional crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately for a vibrant, fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips For Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

  • Marinating Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat, with longer marinating times (up to 2 hours) creating even more delicious results.
  • Tzatziki Perfect Texture: Drain yogurt using cheesecloth or paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring a thick, creamy tzatziki that won't water down your bowl.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that keeps all the authentic Greek flavors intact.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas marinated in the same Greek-inspired seasonings for a plant-based protein option that's equally satisfying.
  • Meal Prep Champion: These bowls can be prepared in advance by storing marinated chicken, tzatziki, and chopped vegetables separately, making quick assembly possible during busy weekdays.

Fun Ways To Plate Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

  • Fresh Mediterranean Feast: Serve these bowls with warm pita bread for scooping up extra tzatziki and catching all those delicious chicken juices.
  • Colorful Veggie Addition: Top with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to create a vibrant, nutritious base that complements the marinated chicken.
  • Grain Base Options: Swap traditional rice with quinoa or bulgur wheat for added protein and a hearty texture that soaks up the tangy tzatziki sauce perfectly.
  • Herb Garnish Magic: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill over the bowl to brighten flavors and add a pop of fresh green color that elevates the entire dish.

Plan Storage For Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

  • Advance Prep Power: Marinate chicken a day ahead and store in an airtight container to enhance flavor depth and save precious weeknight cooking time.
  • Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store tzatziki and sliced chicken separately in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping ingredients crisp and preventing soggy textures.
  • Smart Batch Cooking: Double the chicken recipe and use leftovers in salads, wraps, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week, maximizing ingredient efficiency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze marinated raw chicken in flat zip-lock bags for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for convenient meal planning.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Tantalizing Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

Tantalizing Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Greek chicken tzatziki bowls showcase Mediterranean flavors in a simple, fresh meal. Herbed chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce combine for a delightful plate you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Warm pita or naan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic blend.
  2. Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the zesty mixture, refrigerating for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavor infusion.
  3. Cooking Preparation: Heat skillet or grill to medium-high, creating an optimal surface for achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior.
  4. Chicken Searing: Carefully place marinated chicken on the hot cooking surface, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust forms.
  5. Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken’s safety by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing both flavor and food safety.
  6. Resting and Slicing: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into elegant, uniform strips that showcase the meat’s juicy texture.
  7. Serving Composition: Arrange sliced chicken atop a bed of fresh greens or grains, crowning the dish with a generous dollop of cool tzatziki sauce.

Notes

  • Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors for at least 30 minutes, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming too acidic or tough.
  • Achieve Perfect Sear: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for enhanced caramelization and deeper flavor development, ensuring medium-high heat for optimal browning.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Invest in a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute grains with cauliflower rice for low-carb version, use gluten-free marinades, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star