Classic Greek Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Recipe

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering Greek chicken bowl to life. You might already have a few of these ingredients in your pantry, but here’s the full list of what to gather:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breast or thighs: Skinless and boneless, the perfect base for this dish.
• Olive oil: For marinating the chicken and adding a rich flavor.
• Lemon juice: The acidity brightens up the chicken and balances out the richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a nice punch to the marinade.
• Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

For the Toppings:

• Cucumber: Thinly sliced or diced, adding freshness and crunch.
• Tomato: Chopped, to bring a juicy and vibrant element.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced, giving a little zing to your bowl.
• Olives: Kalamata olives are a must for that briny, salty flavor.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled, adding a creamy, tangy kick.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• Greek yogurt: The base for your tzatziki, providing richness and creaminess.
• Cucumber: Grated, to add texture and freshness to the sauce.
• Garlic: A touch of minced garlic gives the tzatziki a savory depth.
• Dill: Fresh dill or dried, it gives tzatziki its signature taste.
• Lemon juice: Just a squeeze for brightness and acidity.
• Olive oil: A bit of olive oil helps bring the sauce together.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Optional Base:

• Rice: Either white or brown rice as a base for the chicken and toppings.
• Greens: If you prefer a lighter base, use mixed greens or arugula.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Let’s walk through how to prepare each component and put it all together.

How to Make the Perfect Greek Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The chicken is the star of this dish, so marinating it properly is key to infusing it with flavor. Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into a bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Once your chicken is well-marbled with the marinade, cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though, for the best flavor, marinate it for a few hours or even overnight. This step allows the chicken to soak up all those Mediterranean flavors, making it tender and juicy.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Now that your chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The outside should be nicely charred while the inside stays juicy.

Once your chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This will help keep all those flavorful juices inside the meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While your chicken is grilling, let’s whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy.

For the best flavor, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herby goodness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Bowl

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Start by placing a scoop of your rice or greens in the bottom of a bowl. Next, arrange the sliced chicken on top. Then, layer on the diced cucumber, chopped tomato, red onion, and olives. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over everything for that salty, creamy bite.

Finally, drizzle a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce over the top of your bowl. Feel free to add more sauce on the side for dipping, too! You can garnish with extra fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon if you’d like.