Description
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and wholesome grains. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend meal, these bowls offer a balanced combination of lean protein, fresh herbs, and nutritious ingredients that deliver authentic tastes with a colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinating and drizzling)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (divided)
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and well-drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- Pinch of salt
Grain Base
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
Fresh Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and 1 handful of chopped fresh dill. Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the marinade and let them rest for at least 20 minutes to soak in Mediterranean flavors.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth. In a separate bowl, mix the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, chopped dill and mint, and a pinch of salt. Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Cook the Grains: Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm to serve as the base of your bowls.
- Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a generous scoop of cooked grains in each bowl. Layer sliced chicken on top, followed by fresh cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and dollops of tzatziki sauce. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for enhanced flavor and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for extra tender chicken, but avoid going beyond this to prevent mushy texture.
- Drain cucumber thoroughly when making tzatziki to prevent a watery sauce.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier, more authentic tzatziki.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Fresh dill and mint herbs significantly elevate the flavor of the tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken bowl, tzatziki bowl, Mediterranean chicken, healthy dinner, quick chicken recipe, meal prep bowl, grilled chicken bowl
