The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and tasty meal that combines juicy grilled chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp veggies, and fluffy rice or warm pita. It’s a colorful mix that’s satisfying but not too heavy, perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something simple yet full of flavor.
I love making this bowl because it’s easy to put together and feels like a little Mediterranean escape on a plate. The tzatziki, with its tangy yogurt and cucumber, adds a wonderful brightness that makes every bite refreshing. Plus, you can switch up the veggies or grain to keep it new each time.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this bowl is with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a squeeze of lemon on top. It’s a great meal to pack for work or a picnic, too, since it holds up really well and tastes just as good the next day. If you’re looking for an easy, healthy dish that always hits the spot, this bowl is a go-to for me.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: They grill nicely and stay juicy with the right marinade. If you prefer, use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Both work great in this bowl.
Greek yogurt: This is the base for the tzatziki sauce, giving it that creamy tang. You can swap it for dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option, just pick plain and unsweetened.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch and coolness to the bowl and the sauce. English cucumber works well since it has fewer seeds, but any cucumber is fine.
Fresh herbs (dill, parsley or cilantro): Dill is classic in tzatziki, but parsley or cilantro bring their own fresh notes. Use whatever you like or have on hand.
Feta cheese: This salty crumbly cheese is a nice finishing touch. For dairy-free or vegan needs, try using tofu feta or skip it altogether.
How Can I Get Juicy, Well-Seasoned Grilled Chicken Every Time?
Getting the chicken right is key. Marinating it lets the spices soak in, creating great flavor. Here’s what I do:
- Mix olive oil with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Coat the chicken evenly and let it sit at least 15 minutes. I sometimes prep it the night before for deeper flavor.
- Cook over medium-high heat in a skillet or grill pan for 5-7 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
This method gives flavorful, moist chicken perfect for stacking over rice and veggies in your bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – perfect for getting nice sear marks and cooking chicken evenly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating chicken and mixing tzatziki sauce ingredients.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for chopping veggies and slicing chicken cleanly.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices and sauce ingredients just right.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and assembling your bowl.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for grilled lamb or beef strips for a richer, heartier meal.
- Add diced avocado for creaminess and extra healthy fats.
- Use roasted red peppers or olives in the bowl to boost Mediterranean flavors.
- Mix in chopped mint or basil to freshen up the tzatziki sauce and add a new twist.
Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or your choice of grain
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Hummus (about 1/4 cup)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Optional extra fresh dill for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes for marinating the chicken, and another 12-15 minutes to cook everything and assemble the bowl. In total, you should plan for about 35-40 minutes to enjoy this fresh and delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and have nice grill marks. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely diced or grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
4. Prepare the Veggies:
Slice the red onion thinly, quarter the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the fresh parsley or cilantro.
5. Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the cooked brown rice between your serving bowls. Add a generous spoonful of hummus on one side. Arrange the grilled chicken slices over the rice. Surround the chicken with the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
6. Top and Serve:
Spoon a good dollop of tzatziki sauce in the center of each bowl. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and add extra fresh dill if you like. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Enjoy your tasty, colorful Chicken Tzatziki Bowl—fresh, easy, and full of flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before marinating and cooking. This keeps the chicken juicy and ensures even cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Tzatziki Bowls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate if possible to maintain its freshness. Reheat the chicken and rice gently before assembling the bowl again.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free plain yogurt if you prefer a vegan or lactose-free option. Just choose a thick, unsweetened yogurt to keep the creamy texture.
What Can I Serve Instead of Brown Rice?
Feel free to swap the brown rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Warm pita bread or flatbread also pairs nicely with this dish.
