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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Greek Bowls Recipe with Easy Creamy Tzatziki

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A fresh and satisfying Greek-inspired grilled chicken bowl featuring smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and homemade creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat or low-fat)
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • About 4 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken (10-15 minutes prep + 30 minutes marinate): In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce (10 minutes): Peel and finely grate half a cucumber. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine grated cucumber, 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
  3. Cook the Grain or Prepare Greens (15 minutes): Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions, or wash and dry mixed greens. Set aside warm or chilled.
  4. Grill the Chicken (8-10 minutes): Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  5. Prep the Veggies (5-10 minutes): Halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber, pit and halve Kalamata olives, and thinly slice red onion if using.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of rice, quinoa, or greens. Add grilled chicken slices, then arrange tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Dollop generously with creamy tzatziki and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
  7. Final Touches: Optionally drizzle extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon over the bowl. Add fresh cracked black pepper on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not over-marinate chicken to avoid mushy texture. Squeeze excess moisture from cucumber for tzatziki to prevent watery sauce. Grill chicken on a hot surface for best sear and flavor. Tzatziki can be made ahead and chilled to meld flavors. Use substitutions like cauliflower rice for low-carb or coconut yogurt for dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Greek bowls, tzatziki, Mediterranean, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy weeknight meal