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Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

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This Mediterranean-inspired dish features marinated grilled chicken paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. Served over fluffy rice or greens, the bowl is topped with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta. It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep or a balanced lunch. Whether you bake or grill the chicken, it’s juicy and full of flavor. The components store well separately, making it easy to assemble nutritious bowls all week.

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A man wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Written By Clara
Last modified on Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:04:06 GMT
A bowl of chicken tzatziki with rice and vegetables. Pin to Save
A bowl of chicken tzatziki with rice and vegetables. | cozybakinglife.com

This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Chicken Tzatziki Bowl brings together juicy marinated chicken with creamy homemade tzatziki and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables. It is a perfect go-to when I want something that feels light but still filling. I often prepare these bowls for lunch on busy weekdays or when I have guests over for a relaxed dinner. The balance of bold spices and cooling yogurt makes every bite memorable.

The first time I made this was after a summer hike I wanted something fresh but satisfying and it hit the spot I have made it on repeat ever since.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast or thighs: tender protein choice that stays juicy when marinated
  • Olive oil: brings richness and helps the marinade absorb
  • Lemon juice: adds brightness and breaks down the chicken fibers
  • Dried oregano: gives that earthy Mediterranean taste
  • Garlic: builds a strong flavor base use fresh if possible
  • Smoked paprika: for a subtle smoky heat optional but elevates the dish
  • Salt and pepper: to enhance all flavors
  • Greek yogurt: for a creamy tangy tzatziki base use full fat for richness
  • Cucumber: adds crunch and coolness grate and squeeze well
  • Olive oil: gives a silky texture to the sauce
  • Lemon juice: for a zingy contrast
  • Fresh dill: brings that distinct herby brightness
  • Garlic: adds depth and sharpness to the sauce
  • Salt and pepper: adjust to taste
  • Cooked rice or quinoa: provides a hearty grain base use cauliflower rice for low carb
  • Cherry tomatoes: sweet and juicy contrast to the savory chicken
  • Cucumber: refreshing and crisp
  • Red onion: a sharp bite that balances the flavors
  • Kalamata olives: briny touch adds depth optional
  • Feta cheese: creamy salty finish
  • Fresh parsley or dill: brings color and aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl mix olive oil lemon juice oregano minced garlic smoked paprika salt and pepper until well blended. Add the chicken and toss to coat each piece thoroughly cover and refrigerate for at least fifteen minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Cook the Chicken:
If using a skillet heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat place the chicken in and cook each side for six to seven minutes until golden and cooked through. For a grill preheat and cook each side for five to six minutes depending on thickness. Let the chicken rest for five minutes then slice into strips for serving.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl combine the Greek yogurt grated and squeezed cucumber olive oil lemon juice minced garlic and dill. Mix thoroughly until smooth taste and adjust seasoning if needed then chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Bowls:
Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice or your chosen base in each bowl. Top with the sliced chicken cherry tomatoes cucumbers red onion olives and feta cheese arranged neatly. Finish by spooning the tzatziki sauce over everything or serve it on the side for dipping garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dip.
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dip. | cozybakinglife.com

Storage Tips

Keep each part of the bowl in separate airtight containers to preserve freshness. Chicken can be refrigerated for up to four days. Tzatziki sauce lasts up to three days and should be stirred before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian option. Swap quinoa for rice if you want more protein in the base. If dill is not available use mint for a different herbal flavor.

A bowl of chicken tzatziki with rice and vegetables.
A bowl of chicken tzatziki with rice and vegetables. | cozybakinglife.com

Serving Suggestions

Add warm pita bread or hummus for a fuller meal. Serve bowl-style for lunch or plate-style for a dinner spread. Perfect for picnics just pack each part and assemble fresh.

Cultural Context

Inspired by Greek street food flavors these bowls bring together elements common in Mediterranean diets. Tzatziki is a staple in many regional cuisines and adds both cooling texture and tangy flavor.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling enhances the smoky flavor and pairs well with the fresh vegetables and tzatziki. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes until fully cooked.

→ What can I use instead of rice?

You can substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or leafy greens for a lighter, low-carb base.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 15 minutes is sufficient, but marinating for up to 24 hours in the fridge deepens the flavor and tenderness.

→ Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, tzatziki can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir before using.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store the chicken, sauce, and vegetables separately. Assemble when ready to eat for optimal freshness and texture.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki and omit or substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based option.

Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Grilled chicken with tzatziki, rice, and fresh veggies makes this bowl both flavorful and refreshing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time for Cooking
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Written By: Clara

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: Mediterranean

Servings: 4 Portion Count (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

List of Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
07 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Tzatziki Sauce

08 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
09 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
10 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 1 garlic clove, minced
13 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
14 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Bowl Assembly

15 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
16 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 1 cup cucumber, diced
18 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
19 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
20 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
21 Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, or grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 04

Scoop rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice into each bowl. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta over the base. Drizzle with tzatziki and garnish with fresh herbs.

Additional Suggestions

  1. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  2. Tzatziki can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated.
  3. Use cauliflower rice or greens for a low-carb alternative.

Must-Have Supplies

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Grater
  • Serving bowls

Allergen Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, feta cheese)

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

This nutritional info is for general guidance and not a substitute for expert advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 32 g