Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls feature tender grilled chicken paired with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce and a vibrant mix of fresh Mediterranean ingredients. This quick and healthy meal combines lean protein, crisp vegetables, and flavorful herbs on a bed of rice or quinoa, perfect for a wholesome weekday dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the fresh Mediterranean flavors.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate the cucumber and press out any excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until creamy. Refrigerate to chill while you cook the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Bowls: Begin with your choice of cooked rice or quinoa as the base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions, and a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint for brightness.
Notes
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier and more flavorful tzatziki.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure a better sear and enhanced flavor.
- Allow the tzatziki sauce to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
- Fresh dill or mint is essential for authentic and bright tzatziki flavor.
- Slice chicken against the grain to keep it tender and easy to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken tzatziki bowl, Mediterranean chicken bowl, grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, healthy chicken bowl, Greek yogurt sauce