If you’re searching for a meal that packs bold Mediterranean flavors, loads of color, and wholesome ingredients all in one bowl, you’re about to fall for this Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki. Each bite is a joyful blend of succulent marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a luxuriously creamy tzatziki—all without a drop of dairy. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, equally perfect for meal prep or a relaxed weeknight dinner, and feels like a bright Mediterranean holiday for your tastebuds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this dish are simple yet thoughtfully chosen, each playing its own delicious part in building vibrant flavors and textures. From juicy chicken to crisp produce and the tangy, herby tzatziki, every element makes the Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki not just a meal, but an experience.
- Chicken: Choose chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for extra juiciness—both soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to both the marinade and the tzatziki while enhancing overall mouthfeel.
- Lemon Juice: The fresh, zesty tang livens up the chicken and the sauce, tying all the flavors together.
- Garlic: Don’t hold back—the fresh garlic in both chicken and tzatziki brings an aromatic depth you’ll crave.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses earthy notes into the marinade.
- Paprika: Lends warmth, subtle spice, and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
- Cumin: Adds a touch of complexity and savory warmth to the flavor profile.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to draw out all the flavors.
- Unsweetened Coconut or Almond Yogurt: Forms the creamy base for the dairy-free tzatziki—just make sure it’s unsweetened!
- Cucumber: Grated and squeezed dry for crisp, cool crunch in both the tzatziki and the salad.
- Fresh Dill or Mint: Either herb will brighten the tzatziki with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness in each forkful.
- Romaine or Baby Spinach: These sturdy greens create a fresh, satisfying foundation for your bowl.
- Quinoa or Rice: The base of your bowl—customize with your favorite or whatever’s on hand.
- Kalamata Olives: Salty, briny, and utterly irresistible for a true Greek touch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a punchy, savory bite and a pop of color.
- Hummus (optional): Adds creaminess and extra protein if you like things even more indulgent.
- Avocado: Sliced for richness and healthy fats—totally optional, but a dreamy addition!
- Fresh Parsley or Dill: These are your finishing notes, adding color and herby brightness right before serving.
How to Make Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add your chicken pieces and toss well, making sure each piece is generously coated. Give the flavors a chance to mingle by letting it all marinate for at least 20 minutes—overnight in the fridge is even better if you want truly next-level taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board (to keep the juices locked in), then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Whip Up the Dairy-Free Tzatziki
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and combine the unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill or mint, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until well blended and taste for seasoning. Pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you assemble the rest of your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki.
Step 4: Prepare the Bowl Base
Spoon your cooked quinoa or rice into each serving bowl, then layer on a generous handful of chopped romaine or baby spinach. This combo forms a nourishing, hearty base, while giving the dish that signature Mediterranean crunch.
Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies and Toppings
Scatter on your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, kalamata olives, red onion, hummus, avocado, and any extra toppings you adore. Don’t forget a little sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill to dial up the color and freshness.
Step 6: Finish with Dairy-Free Tzatziki
Dollop a generous spoonful (or two!) of the cool, herby dairy-free tzatziki right over the top of your assembled bowl. The bright, tangy sauce ties every element together and takes your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki from tasty to unforgettable!
How to Serve Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki
Garnishes
For a truly vibrant finish, shower your bowls with chopped fresh herbs—think parsley, dill, or mint. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon, an extra swirl of olive oil, or a dusting of paprika for color and a boost of flavor. The right garnish not only makes your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki pop visually but also adds another level of freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside warm, fluffy pita bread (gluten-free if needed), or crisp vegetable sticks for scooping up every last bit of tzatziki and hummus. A simple Greek salad or marinated artichokes also pair wonderfully, bringing even more Mediterranean flair to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a fun DIY event by setting up a “bowl-building bar,” where everyone assembles their own Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki just the way they like it. For parties, deconstruct ingredients onto a platter for a rustic mezze spread, or roll everything into a wrap for an on-the-go meal that’s just as flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki fresh by storing each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps prevent the greens from wilting and the grains from getting soggy, while keeping the flavors bright for up to three days.
Freezing
While the veggies and tzatziki aren’t suited for freezing, the cooked chicken freezes beautifully. Store portions of sliced cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months—simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to rebuild your bowl.
Reheating
Warm your cooked chicken and grains gently in the microwave or stovetop until just heated through. Add the cold toppings and tzatziki after reheating to keep everything crisp and flavorful. This way, your next round of Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki will taste as fresh as the first.
FAQs
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Try marinated tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist, or swap in grilled shrimp or lamb for a different Mediterranean touch. The flavors of the tzatziki and bowl toppings will work beautifully with just about any protein you prefer.
Is there a coconut taste in the dairy-free tzatziki?
If you use unsweetened coconut yogurt, the flavor is very subtle and usually gets overtaken by the herbs, garlic, and lemon. Almond-based yogurt is even milder if you’re especially sensitive to coconut.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Definitely! Marinate and cook the chicken up to three days ahead and store it in the fridge. Slicing just before serving helps keep it juicy in your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki.
How can I make this bowl low-carb?
Swap the quinoa or rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. The rest of the ingredients are already low in carbs and loaded with protein and fiber.
Do I have to use both dill and mint in the tzatziki?
No need—you can choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand. Dill offers a more classic Greek flavor, while mint brightens the sauce in a totally refreshing way. Either works wonders in the dairy-free tzatziki!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience all the vibrant flavors and color-packed crunch in this Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki. It’s healthy, fast, and feels just a little bit special—so pour yourself a glass of something chilled and get ready for a Mediterranean feast right at home!
Print
Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this flavorful Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl featuring dairy-free tzatziki. Perfect for a healthy lunch, this bowl is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- salt and black pepper to taste
For the dairy-free tzatziki:
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- salt to taste
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup chopped romaine or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup hummus (optional)
- 1/4 avocado (sliced)
- fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- For the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight). Cook chicken in a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- For the dairy-free tzatziki: Combine coconut yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble bowls: Create a base with quinoa or rice, topped with greens, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, avocado, and a dollop of tzatziki and/or hummus. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.
Notes
- This bowl is ideal for meal prep—just store components separately and assemble before eating.
- Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Coconut yogurt gives the tzatziki a light tang without dairy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
