Name: Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are not only easy to whip up but also bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone.

What makes these bowls extra special is the juicy marinated chicken paired with a creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a satisfying dish filled with wholesome ingredients that can easily be customized to suit any palate. Trust me, once you give these Chicken Tzatziki Bowls a try, they will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe can be ready in just 40 minutes!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves assembling their own bowls, making it fun for kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken in advance for even more flavor—perfect for meal prep!
Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of marinated chicken and refreshing tzatziki will brighten your day.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite grains and veggies for a personal touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful dish!

For the Chicken Marinade

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Bowls

2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about these Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using turkey or grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled veggies for a plant-based option.
Change up the grain: Use farro or bulgur wheat instead of rice or quinoa for added texture.
Add some spice: Incorporate roasted red peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick!

How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover this mixture and let it refrigerate for at least 15 minutes—or if you have more time, up to 24 hours. Marinating allows those flavors to really sink into the chicken!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked (look for an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Alternatively, preheat your grill or grill pan and cook them that way! Once done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into strips. Resting is key—it keeps your chicken juicy!

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In another bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any excess water), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is nicely combined. Taste it—this is where you can adjust seasoning to make it just right!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Grab some bowls and start by adding a scoop of rice (or whichever grain you chose) as your base. Next comes sliced chicken followed by cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and crumbled feta cheese on top. Don’t forget to drizzle that delicious tzatziki sauce generously over everything! Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if you’re feeling fancy.

And there you have it—beautifully colorful Chicken Tzatziki Bowls that are as tasty as they are pretty! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Creating the perfect Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

Marinate for flavor: Allowing your chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or even overnight) boosts the flavor and tenderness. The longer it marinates, the more pronounced the Mediterranean herbs and spices will be.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavors but also add vibrant colors and textures to your dish. Freshness makes all the difference in elevating your meal!
Adjust tzatziki consistency: If you prefer a thicker tzatziki, consider straining the yogurt beforehand. This creates a creamier sauce that clings beautifully to your chicken and vegetables.
Experiment with grains: While rice and quinoa are great options, don’t hesitate to try other grains like farro or barley for added nutrition and unique flavors. Each grain brings its own character to the bowl!
Make it a meal prep star: These bowls are perfect for meal prepping! Store each component separately in airtight containers, and assemble them when you’re ready to enjoy a fresh, healthy meal throughout the week.

How to Serve Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Presenting your Chicken Tzatziki Bowls can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Here are some creative ways to serve it!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top of your bowls for a burst of color and freshness. They also complement the flavors wonderfully!
Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze on some extra citrus goodness just before digging in.

Side Dishes

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A refreshing mix of chickpeas, bell peppers, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil—this salad is not only colorful but also adds protein and fiber.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant brings out their natural sweetness and makes for a delightful side that pairs well with the chicken.
Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up tzatziki or enjoying alongside your bowls. It adds a delightful texture contrast!
Hummus: A side of creamy hummus can complement the dish beautifully while providing another layer of flavor. You can serve it plain or try variations like roasted red pepper or garlic hummus.

Now you’re ready to whip up these delicious Chicken Tzatziki Bowls! Enjoy every bite of this Mediterranean-inspired feast. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components in advance, making it easy to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Keep vegetables and grains separate to maintain their freshness.
Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste.

Freezing

The marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking; simply place it in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade.
Cooked chicken can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Tzatziki sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat chicken, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in intervals until hot.
If using frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tzatziki sauce can be served cold directly from the fridge or slightly warmed if preferred.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Chicken Tzatziki Bowls!

Can I use different grains for Chicken Tzatziki Bowls?

Absolutely! While rice and quinoa are fantastic choices, feel free to experiment with couscous or even farro for a delightful twist.

How do I make Chicken Tzatziki Bowls vegetarian?

You can easily substitute grilled vegetables or chickpeas for the chicken. This will keep your bowls satisfying while catering to vegetarian diets.

How long does it take to prepare Chicken Tzatziki Bowls?

The total time for preparing Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is approximately 40 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

Can I meal prep Chicken Tzatziki Bowls for the week?

Yes! These bowls are excellent for meal prep. Just store each component separately until you’re ready to assemble your bowls.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Chicken Tzatziki Bowls as much as I do! They’re not only a feast for your taste buds but also a vibrant addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired dish, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy cooking!

Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

If you’re in search of a quick and flavorful meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than these Chicken Tzatziki Bowls. This delightful dish features juicy marinated chicken served with a creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and your choice of grains. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these bowls are highly customizable to satisfy every palate. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that make this recipe a standout addition to your weekly meal plan!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Let rest before slicing.
Prepare the tzatziki sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until combined.
Assemble the bowls: Start with a base of grains topped with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onions, olives, and tzatziki sauce. Garnish with herbs.