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
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic blend.
- Chicken Marination: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the zesty mixture, refrigerating for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavor infusion.
- Cooking Preparation: Heat skillet or grill to medium-high, creating an optimal surface for achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior.
- 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.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken’s safety by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing both flavor and food safety.
- Resting and Slicing: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into elegant, uniform strips that showcase the meat’s juicy texture.
- 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