Name: Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced); fresh parsley or dill for garnish

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If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the sunny, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and enjoy them any night of the week, these Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are exactly what you need. Imagine tender grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, creamy tzatziki, and tangy feta coming together over a cozy bed of grains—it truly checks every box for a delicious and nourishing meal. Whether meal-prepping for busy days or gathering friends around your table, this recipe is as fuss-free as it is sensationally tasty. With their beautiful colors and irresistible flavors, Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are sure to become a star in your dinner rotation.

Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls is how each simple ingredient bursts with flavor and color. These wholesome basics come together to create a meal that feels restaurant-fancy, but is a cinch to pull off at home.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for tenderness and ease; thighs offer extra juiciness!
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps soak in all those beautiful herbs and spices.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up every bite with essential zesty flavor.
Garlic: Lends aromatic depth to both the chicken and tzatziki.
Dried Oregano: Gives a savory, unmistakeable Mediterranean flair.
Paprika: A pinch adds warmth and gentle smokiness.
Salt: Brings the seasoning together and enhances every ingredient.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the spice blend.
Plain Greek Yogurt: The foundation of the creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce.
Cucumber: Cool and crisp, it’s the secret to refreshing tzatziki.
Fresh Dill: Infuses both the sauce and the bowls with a pop of herby brightness.
Cooked Rice, Quinoa, or Couscous: The perfect, hearty base for soaking up all the flavors.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bursty and sweet for a juicy contrast.
Sliced Cucumber: Extra crunch and color for every bowl.
Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, they give authentic Mediterranean notes.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty, and totally irresistible sprinkled on top.
Red Onion: Thin slices offer sharp crunch and color.
Fresh Parsley or Dill: Use as a garnish for a finishing touch of greenery and flavor.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add your chicken pieces and give everything a good toss so each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge if you want to plan ahead). This step is where the magic begins—those flavors get deep into the chicken, guaranteeing mouthwatering bites later.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to whip up your tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated (and squeezed dry) cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and salt in a small bowl. Mix until creamy and well blended. Pop it in the fridge to let the flavors mingle—the longer it sits, the better it tastes!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the surface is golden and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature is the goal). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, so it stays juicy and tender.

Step 4: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Divide your cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous among four bowls. Top each with slices of juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and red onion. Finish each bowl with a generous dollop of that luscious homemade tzatziki and shower everything with fresh parsley or dill.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Garnishes

There’s something so satisfying about that final sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on your Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls. For even more pizzazz, try a little extra drizzle of olive oil, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top. These little touches take your bowls from lovely to downright irresistible and make every bite burst with flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls with warm pita bread, a platter of roasted vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad if you’re feeling fancy. Some enjoy adding a scoop of hummus or a handful of roasted chickpeas for more protein and texture. Honestly, just about anything Mediterranean-inspired will complement these flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful when plating! Layer everything in clear glass bowls or wide, flat plates to show off all those gorgeous colors. For a party, set up a “build your own bowl” bar and let guests mix and match their favorite toppings. Even in a lunchbox, these bowls look and taste incredible, so don’t be afraid to pack them up and take them on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftovers (lucky you!), store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and grains last for up to four days, and the tzatziki stays fresh for about three days. This way, your veggies stay crisp and everything keeps its fresh flavor.

Freezing

Cooked chicken freezes beautifully for up to three months—just make sure it’s cooled first and packed in a sealed freezer bag or container. While the grains can also be frozen, it’s best to skip freezing the tzatziki and fresh veggies, since their texture changes when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and grains gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet on low. Assemble your bowls with freshly added cold veggies and tzatziki just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Are Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls gluten-free?

Yes! If you use rice or quinoa as your base, these bowls are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your toppings and grains to make sure there are no hidden sources of gluten.

Can I grill the chicken outdoors instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Outdoor grilling adds wonderful smoky char to your Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls. Just grill over medium-high heat, flipping once, until fully cooked.

What’s the best grain base to use?

Rice, quinoa, or couscous each give the bowls a different personality. Rice is classic and comforting, quinoa adds a nutty, protein-packed twist, and couscous brings a light, fluffy vibe—use whatever you love or have on hand!

How far ahead can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Even just 30 minutes will yield fantastic flavor, but longer marinating time results in even more tender and tasty chicken.

Can I make vegetarian Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for roasted chickpeas or crispy falafel. Both options soak up the tzatziki and pair beautifully with the fresh veggies and grains.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and deeply satisfying, Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls truly deliver. I hope you’ll give them a try and let these bright, bold flavors become a favorite at your table too!

Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Mediterranean Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a delicious and healthy meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender marinated chicken is served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, flavorful veggies, and grains, creating a satisfying and nutritious bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
1/4 tsp salt

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup kalamata olives (pitted)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
fresh parsley or dill for garnish

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Make the Tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Let rest, then slice.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice (or grain of choice) among 4 bowls. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, and red onion. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve immediately.