If you’re looking to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are guaranteed to become a new staple. This colorful, vibrant dish layers grilled lemon-oregano chicken over hearty brown rice, then piles on crisp veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and a swirl of cool, herby tzatziki. Packed with nourishing flavors and customizable ingredients, Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls check every box, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting friends for a casual feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls lies in their simplicity—fresh, honest ingredients that come together for maximum impact. Each component brings its own star powers, transforming a simple weeknight meal into something both satisfying and festive.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, boneless, skinless chicken is the perfect protein for marinating and grilling.
- Olive oil: Provides a fruity base for the marinade and tzatziki, tying together those classic Greek flavors.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken while lending a zingy note to the tzatziki.
- Dried oregano: Essential for that unmistakable Mediterranean herb aroma—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: One clove for the marinade and one for the tzatziki; fresh is always best for the boldest taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Brown rice or couscous: The hearty base; use your favorite or swap in quinoa or cauliflower rice for variety.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet flavor and a juicy pop of red color in every forkful.
- Cucumber: Adds a cooling crunch to the salad and makes the tzatziki irresistibly fresh.
- Red onion: Sliced thin for just the right amount of punch and color.
- Kalamata olives: Salty, savory, and absolutely essential for real Greek flair.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it brings that creamy, tangy Greek signature to every bite.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley gives the bowls their final lift of color and herbal brightness.
- Greek yogurt: Thick, tangy, and creamy—this forms the backbone of authentic tzatziki.
- Fresh dill: Not negotiable in tzatziki! Fresh dill delivers an unmistakably Mediterranean flavor.
How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in this dreamy marinade, making sure every piece gets a little love. Let the chicken soak up all those robust flavors for at least 20 minutes—though if you have up to two hours, your tastebuds will thank you.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, assemble the homemade tzatziki. Stir together thick Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t skip squeezing the cucumber dry; it keeps your sauce luscious and not runny. Cover and let it chill until you’re ready to serve—the flavors deepen as it sits!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the outside develops a mouthwatering golden crust and the inside is perfectly juicy. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing—it stays tender and locks in those savory juices.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your cooked rice or couscous into four bowls. Top each with a generous helping of sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, briny kalamata olives, and a hearty sprinkle of crumbled feta. A generous drizzle of chilled tzatziki brings everything together. Finish with a big pinch of freshly chopped parsley for a hit of color and flavor.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Garnishes
No Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are complete without those little finishing touches—a sprinkle of extra parsley, a wedge of lemon for squeezing, or a few more crumbles of feta. A tiny swirl of olive oil over the tzatziki before serving adds a beautiful gloss and another layer of richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls with warm pita wedges, a bowl of classic hummus, or a simple Greek salad on the side. These sides keep the meal light and bright, perfect for soaking up leftover sauces and catching every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the components family-style on a big platter, letting everyone build their own bowl. Or pack the toppings in mason jars layered over rice for stunning, portable lunches. If you’re hosting, serve bowls in individual wide glasses for an elegant, appetizer version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra ingredients, keep each component separate in airtight containers. The marinated chicken, chopped veggies, and tzatziki all hold up well when stored separately in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making quick assembly a breeze.
Freezing
The grilled chicken can be frozen in portions for up to two months—just be sure to wrap it well. However, it’s best to keep the veggies and tzatziki fresh, as they don’t freeze well. Having the chicken ready makes it easy to whip up Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls any night of the week.
Reheating
Gently reheat your chicken slices in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy. Assemble fresh bowls with cold veggies and tzatziki for that unbeatable contrast of warm and cool. Avoid reheating the tzatziki to preserve its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they soak up the marinade beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need a couple extra minutes on the grill.
What can I substitute for brown rice or couscous?
If you want to change things up, try quinoa for an extra protein boost or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb option. Both make excellent bases for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls.
Is there a dairy-free version of tzatziki?
You can make a dairy-free tzatziki by using a thick, unsweetened plant-based yogurt as your base. Most of the other ingredients remain the same, so the flavor stays true to the original.
How do I meal prep Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls for the week?
To prep ahead, cook the chicken, rice, and chop all your veggies in advance. Store everything separately in containers, and only assemble when you’re ready to eat. This keeps every element fresh and crisp.
Can I make the tzatziki a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, tzatziki gets even better as it sits in the fridge—those garlicky, herby flavors really meld together. Just give it a stir before serving as it may separate a little while chilling.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls have become such a weeknight favorite at my table—they’re fresh, filling, and bursting with sunshine in every bite. Give this recipe a try and let these Mediterranean flavors transport you. I have a feeling you’ll be reaching for these bowls again and again!
Print
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of Greece with these delicious Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls. Tender marinated chicken served over brown rice or couscous with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Bowl Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup kalamata olives (halved)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: Mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice or couscous into serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- These bowls are great for meal prep. Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Pita wedges or hummus make great add-ons.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
