Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Healthy: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a probiotic-rich tzatziki sauce.
- Easy to Make: Simple marination and quick assembly make this a great weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Swap out grains, veggies, or proteins to fit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olives, and feta.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with extra parsley or dill.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately with pita bread or naan for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
- Different Protein: Try grilled shrimp, lamb, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Extra Flavor: Add roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini for more depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm chicken and rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade tzatziki is fresher and more flavorful.
How do I prevent tzatziki from being watery?
Squeeze out excess water from the grated cucumber before mixing it into the yogurt.
What else can I serve with this dish?
Serve with warm pita bread, a Greek salad, or crispy roasted chickpeas.
Conclusion
These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a refreshing, flavorful meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. With marinated grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki, they’re perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner or meal prep!
