If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with Greek-inspired flavors, this Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Combining juicy, marinated chicken with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce and a colorful array of veggies, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that feel like a Mediterranean vacation on your plate. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe is both a breeze to put together and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something important to the table. From the tender marinated chicken to the refreshing cucumber in the tzatziki, every component is chosen for flavor, texture, and a touch of brightness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ lbs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- Olive oil (¼ cup + 1 tbsp for drizzling): Adds richness and helps with perfectly grilling the chicken and finishing the bowl.
- Lemon juice (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Brings vibrant acidity to both the marinade and the tzatziki sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced + 1 clove minced): Essential for that classic Greek flavor punch.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Offers an earthy herb note that pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic.
- Cumin (½ tsp): Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the chicken marinade.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp each): Seasoning basics that amplify every other ingredient.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup): The creamy base of the tzatziki, which balances the bright veggies and chicken.
- Cucumber (½ grated + 1 cup diced): Adds refreshing crunch and moisture in the sauce and the bowl.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp chopped): Brings a fragrant, slightly tangy herbal note to the tzatziki.
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (2 cups): Acts as the perfect hearty base for all the toppings.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness that brighten the bowl.
- Red onion (½, thinly sliced): Adds just the right amount of sharpness and crunch.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup, sliced and pitted): A salty, savory contrast that feels authentically Mediterranean.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Rich, tangy, and perfect to sprinkle on top for that finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple yet flavorful marinade is what will give the chicken its zesty and aromatic profile.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours if you can plan ahead—this lets all those lovely flavors soak deep into the meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber for Tzatziki
Grate half a cucumber and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a paper towel or cheesecloth. Removing the excess water prevents the tzatziki from becoming too watery and keeps the consistency just right.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, and salt. Stir in the grated cucumber until evenly mixed. Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to let all the flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—it retains juicy, tender perfection this way.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Start by dividing your choice of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice into serving bowls. Layer on the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle generous dollops of the creamy tzatziki over everything, then finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and an extra splash of olive oil.
How to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill and a sprinkle of crumbled feta are classic garnishes that elevate this bowl. A little extra olive oil drizzled on top adds a beautiful shine and richness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño can bring a nice contrast to the cool tzatziki.
Side Dishes
Although the bowls are loaded with great ingredients, pairing them with warm pita bread or homemade pita chips makes for an irresistible combo. A simple Greek salad or a plate of roasted vegetables can round out the meal beautifully without overwhelming the fresh flavors of the bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe in colorful ceramic bowls or rustic wooden bowls adds a lovely, inviting touch. For meal prep, layering ingredients in mason jars keeps everything fresh and transportable. You can also offer extra tzatziki and lemon wedges on the side for guests to customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover components separately in airtight containers—keep the tzatziki sauce refrigerated and the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to four days. This helps maintain freshness and gives you quick, flavorful meals ready to go.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen after cooking, the tzatziki sauce does not freeze well because the yogurt can separate. Instead, freeze the chicken and grains in portioned containers, and prepare fresh tzatziki when you thaw your meals.
Reheating
Warm the chicken and grains gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying them out. Add the tzatziki sauce cold right before serving for that fresh, delicious taste and creamy texture that makes this Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving during cooking and tend to stay juicier, which works beautifully with this recipe’s bold marinade.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted chickpeas to keep the same Mediterranean vibe with plenty of protein and flavor.
How long can I keep the tzatziki sauce in the fridge?
Tzatziki keeps well for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Always give it a good stir before serving if it has been sitting for a while.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, and either omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
What other grains work well with this recipe besides rice and quinoa?
Bulgur wheat, couscous, or even farro would make excellent hearty bases that complement the fresh ingredients and textures of the bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your meal rotation, I can’t recommend this Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe enough. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying in all the right ways. Give it a whirl for your next lunch or dinner—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls combine juicy grilled chicken marinated in Mediterranean spices with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, served over your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and topped with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. A perfect balanced meal that’s flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Marinade & Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
Bowl Toppings and Base
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prepare Cucumber: Grate the cucumber and use a paper towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out any excess moisture. This prevents the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add Cucumber to Sauce: Stir in the grated cucumber thoroughly to incorporate it into the tzatziki sauce.
- Chill Tzatziki: Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat to ensure an even sear on the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the hot pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Base: Divide the cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice evenly among four serving bowls.
- Assemble Bowls: Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add Tzatziki and Cheese: Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over each bowl and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for creamy richness.
- Final Touch: Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill to enhance freshness and flavor.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for the best freshness, or store in meal prep containers to enjoy throughout the week.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor (up to 12 hours).
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier tzatziki and richer taste, or low-fat for a lighter option.
- Removing excess moisture from the cucumber is key to preventing a watery sauce.
- You can substitute fresh dill with dried if fresh is unavailable.
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
- Leftover bowls keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
