Description
This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a vibrant, healthy meal featuring marinated and pan-cooked chicken, served over a base of quinoa or rice, topped with fresh vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Finished with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish combines Mediterranean flavors for a delicious and wholesome main course perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook Quinoa or Rice: While the chicken marinates, prepare quinoa or rice according to the package instructions. Set aside once cooked to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer a base of cooked quinoa or rice, then add the cooked chicken. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle generously with the prepared tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
- For meal prep convenience, store cooked components separately and assemble bowls before serving to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the grated cucumber for tzatziki is well squeezed to avoid watery sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like dill and parsley for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
