Welcome to a flavor-packed journey through the Mediterranean! This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe brings the vibrant, fresh, and aromatic tastes of Greece to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meals or looking for a quick yet delicious option, this dish is for you. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken, accompanied by refreshing vegetables, and drizzled with creamy tzatziki sauce—it’s a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Featuring wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and colorful veggies, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors that are not only enjoyable but also nutritious. Plus, you can easily customize the bowls to suit your dietary preferences, making it suitable for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, which perfectly complement the fresh toppings.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal that feels indulgent.
- Customizable: Easily accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences by substituting ingredients as needed.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra portions for lunch throughout the week—these bowls keep well in the fridge!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting ready for your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls can be part of the fun! First, clear and clean your kitchen space to ensure you have everything organized. You’ll want a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables and cubing the chicken. A large mixing bowl is essential for marinating the chicken, while a baking sheet will hold the chicken during baking.
Having a blender or food processor on hand will make creating the ginger tahini sauce easier. Finally, gathering all your ingredients beforehand allows for a smooth cooking experience. This method is often referred to as ‘mise en place’—having your ingredients prepped and ready to use.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1–2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas for serving
- For the Ginger Tahini sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and cubed chicken. Add in the chopped garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or, if you’ve got time, overnight in the refrigerator. This marination not only flavors the chicken but also helps keep it juicy during the baking process.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the marinated chicken evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pieces; this will help them cook evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, then carefully toss the chicken and return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through. For a deliciously charred finish, you can broil the chicken for an extra 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki and Cucumber Salad
While the chicken is cooking, it’s a perfect time to prepare the cucumber salad and tzatziki. In a bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to combine and let the flavors meld.
For the tzatziki, you can either grab a store-bought option or whip up a quick homemade version by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Step 4: Make the Ginger Tahini Sauce
For the ginger tahini sauce, place tahini, grated ginger, garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and a splash of water into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with extra water if needed. Taste and season with salt as desired. This sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor dimension to the bowls.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Finally, it’s time to build your bowls! Start with a base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Layer over the baked chicken, followed by the cucumber avocado salad, crumbled feta, and a few generous dollops of tzatziki sauce. Drizzle your homemade ginger tahini sauce on top, and feel free to add any additional fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, onions, and peperoncini. Serve with pita bread on the side for a complete Mediterranean experience!
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as cumin or coriander to customize the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavors, making it even tastier.
- Using fresh herbs will improve the flavor significantly, so go for fresh oregano and dill when possible.
Serving Suggestions
- For an extra crunch, top the bowls with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
- Serve with a slice of lemon on the side for a zesty kick.
Tips
- Prepare all the components ahead of time and store separately for easy meal assembly when you’re ready to eat.
- If you prefer a creamier tzatziki, mix in more Greek yogurt and use less cucumber.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 550 kcal per serving
- Protein: 40 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for added flavor and juiciness.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, simply serve the bowls over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of pita.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls store well in the fridge for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe is a delightful and healthy option that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs; the versatility of this dish is one of its greatest strengths. We hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we do—be sure to share your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to try out some fun variations!
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Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavor-packed bowl of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1–2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas for serving
- For the Ginger Tahini sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and cubed chicken. Add in the chopped garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or, if you’ve got time, overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the marinated chicken evenly across the baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, then carefully toss the chicken and return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cucumber salad and tzatziki. In a bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For the tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- For the ginger tahini sauce, blend tahini, grated ginger, garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and a splash of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
- To assemble, layer fresh lettuce, baked chicken, cucumber avocado salad, crumbled feta, tzatziki, and ginger tahini sauce in each bowl. Serve with pita bread.
Notes
Marinating overnight enhances flavors; use fresh herbs for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 40 g