Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. You get a nice mix of flavors and textures—from…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. You get a nice mix of flavors and textures—from the juicy meat to the crunchy cucumbers and the tangy yogurt sauce that brings it all together. It’s a bowl that feels light but still filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
I love how easy this bowl comes together, and it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy but still full of flavor. The tzatziki sauce is my favorite part—it’s made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, and it adds such a refreshing kick. If you’re short on time, you can even make the sauce ahead of time and just assemble the bowl when you’re ready to eat.
To make this bowl extra special, I like to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or warm pita bread. It’s great for a casual weeknight dinner or even meal prep for the week. Everyone always seems to love how simple yet tasty it is, and it feels like a little Mediterranean escape right on your plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy slicing. If you want more juiciness, chicken thighs work well too, just adjust cooking time.
Greek yogurt: It’s the base for that creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Use plain yogurt but Greek style gives that thicker texture. Dairy-free yogurt can work if you avoid dairy.
Cucumber: Key for both the sauce and topping, it brings crunch and freshness. Peel and deseed it to keep the sauce from getting watery. English cucumber is great if available.
Garlic & dill: Fresh garlic adds a punch, and fresh dill really lifts the tzatziki. You can use dried dill in a pinch — just use less to avoid overpowering.
Rice base: I prefer white rice or basmati, but brown rice or quinoa are great swaps for a nuttier, fiber-rich base.
How Do You Make Chicken Juicy and Flavorful Every Time?
Getting juicy, flavorful grilled chicken is all about seasoning and not overcooking. Here’s what I do:
- Coat chicken evenly with olive oil and spices—paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper add a lovely flavor crust.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side. Don’t move the chicken too much to get nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier.
Also, try pounding the chicken to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking. It really helps avoid dry spots!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – great for cooking chicken evenly with nice char marks.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these for marinating chicken and mixing tzatziki sauce.
- Sharp knife – for slicing chicken and chopping veggies cleanly and safely.
- Cutting board – protects your counter and provides a stable surface for cutting.
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth – to squeeze excess water from cucumber for creamier tzatziki.
- Spoon or spatula – to mix ingredients and serve the bowl easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for grilled lamb or beef strips for a richer, meatier bowl.
- Add crumbled feta cheese on top to enhance the Mediterranean flavor with a salty kick.
- Include roasted red peppers or olives for extra color and tangy bites.
- Mix fresh mint into the tzatziki sauce for a cooler, herbaceous note that’s refreshing in warm weather.
How to Make Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook the chicken. While the chicken cooks, you can quickly make the tzatziki sauce and prep the vegetables. Overall, plan for about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a fresh and speedy meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them well.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Put the grated or diced cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and press out excess moisture to keep the sauce creamy. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
Thinly slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. You can lightly toss the cherry tomatoes with a bit of olive oil and salt if you like for extra flavor.
5. Assemble Your Bowl:
Start by placing a scoop of cooked rice at the base of each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion over the top.
6. Add the Tzatziki:
Generously spoon the chilled tzatziki sauce in the center or over the ingredients in your bowl.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the bowl for a bright, herbal finish. Serve right away and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Chicken Tzatziki Bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with better browning.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The tzatziki sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you want a grain-free or lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or quinoa. Both pair nicely with the fresh veggies and chicken in this bowl.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover chicken, veggies, and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce separately to maintain its freshness. Reheat the chicken and rice gently on the stove or microwave before serving.