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Chicken Tzatziki Bowls first happened in my kitchen after a tiring workday Lemon in the marinade made the chicken burst with flavor and soon this became my top comfort meal after long days
Tasty Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: thick and tangy yogurt gives tzatziki its creaminess use full fat if you want more richness
- Feta cheese: crumbled feta brings tang and creamy texture sheep’s milk is traditional
- Kalamata olives: authentic Greek olives add a salty bite and depth
- Fresh parsley: chopped fresh leaves add bright color and zesty flavor flat leaf is best
- Red onion: slice thin for a shot of color and some spicy crunch
- Cucumber: crisp and cool slices balance out the warm chicken seedless saves effort
- Cherry tomatoes: sweet and juicy tomatoes make each bite pop
- Basmati rice: soft fluffy rice forms a light base for heavy toppings
- Salt and pepper: sea salt and freshly ground pepper bring out the best taste
- Dried oregano: go for Greek oregano if you can for strong herby flavor
- Ground cumin: warm earthy spice plays well with lemon’s sharpness
- Smoked paprika: smoky and sweet this spice deepens flavor try to find a Spanish one
- Garlic: mince fresh garlic for bold taste and lots of aroma
- Lemon juice: squeeze fresh lemons for a punch of tang
- Olive oil: rich extra virgin olive oil brings all the flavors together both in the sauce and the chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: gives you classic juicy protein chicken thighs stay especially moist
- Dill: fresh or dried works a hint brings a burst of anise flavor
Tips
Try to use the freshest lemon juice and spring for the best olive oil and feta you can get If you do the flavors will really pop
Step-by-Step Directions
- Put It All Together:
- Pile warm rice into bowls Arrange your sliced chicken on top Sprinkle on red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, chunks of feta and olives Pour over lots of chilled tzatziki Add more herbs if you want a bright finish
- Blend the Tzatziki:
- Add Greek yogurt to a bowl Grate a cucumber and squeeze out the liquid then toss it in Stir in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, plus dill and some salt and pepper Mix well Pop it in the fridge so it gets even better
- Cook the Chicken:
- Warm up your grill, grill pan or skillet on medium high Brush some oil on Place chicken down Cook about seven minutes per side without moving until one side’s deeply golden Flip and cook until cooked through and the thermometer says one sixty five degrees Lay chicken on a plate Let it rest before you slice
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Tuck chicken into a big shallow dish In a little bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper Pour this over your chicken so it’s well covered Cover and slide into the fridge Let it chill for at least thirty minutes or, if you’ve got time, overnight so flavor soaks deep
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I’m all about creamy Greek yogurt here It makes the sauce super tangy and creamy Brings up memories of eating together by the beach in summertime Everyone would load up their bowls just how they liked and that’s still my favorite part
How to Store It
Chicken Tzatziki Bowls can chill in the fridge for three days or so Keep each part in a separate sealed container so it all stays crisp Add tzatziki right before eating or your veggies can get soggy If you want to freeze save just the cooked chicken and rice Tzatziki and fresh veggies should be enjoyed right away
Other Options
You can swap in grilled shrimp, lamb, or even chickpeas instead of chicken for a veggie route Quinoa works great as a high protein switch-up for rice Not into olives? Use artichokes or roasted peppers Instead of regular yogurt in the sauce, use a lactose free one for dairy free
How to Serve
Toss everything on baby greens for a salad bowl or tuck it into warm pita for handheld bites I like putting out extra toppings like hummus or more chopped herbs Try it with tabbouleh or some lemony roasted potatoes on the side
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Quick Background
This dish comes from Greek street eats that usually get stuffed in pita Growing up, tzatziki was the best part of any meal in our house This tradition still makes dinner feel like a treat on any old weekday
Common Recipe Questions
- → Which spices make grilled chicken super tasty?
A mix of oregano, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika brings out bold, savory flavor in your marinated chicken.
- → Is it ok to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Try thighs for extra moisture and bold flavor, but breasts are delicious, too.
- → What’s the secret to thick and silky tzatziki sauce?
Squeeze out the cucumber’s water first and go for full-fat Greek yogurt to keep it rich and dense.
- → Could I swap out rice at the bottom for something else?
You can! Build your bowl on greens, cauliflower rice, or even use quinoa for a lighter or grain-free pick.
- → How do you make the bowls your own?
Mix in favorites like extra herbs, swap cheeses, or load up with roasted veggies—make it just the way you want.
- → Why are these bowls smart for meal prepping?
You can prep everything ahead and just put it together when you’re hungry—it all keeps nice and fresh for days.