Welcome to a flavor-packed journey through the Mediterranean! This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe brings the vibrant, fresh, and aromatic tastes of Greece to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meals or looking for a quick yet delicious option, this dish is for you. Let’s dive into how you can create a perfect balance of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki.
Introduction: Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
The Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is inspired by the vibrant Mediterranean diet, renowned for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The star of this dish is the Tzatziki sauce, a refreshing blend of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, which complements the smoky paprika-marinated chicken perfectly. This bowl is a perfect fit for any meal, offering a nutritious balance that satisfies both taste buds and dietary needs.
External Link: If you love Mediterranean recipes like this, you may also enjoy these Greek-inspired dishes.
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls:
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1-2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas for serving
For the Ginger Tahini sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on your dietary preferences. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by serving it over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of pita.
How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls – Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor infusion.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, making sure it’s evenly spaced. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and bake for another 5-10 minutes until fully cooked. For extra flavor, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes to get a charred, smoky finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki and Cucumber Salad
While the chicken cooks, prepare the cucumber salad by combining the chopped cucumbers, avocado, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. For the tzatziki, you can use store-bought or homemade (see recipe below).
Step 4: Make the Ginger Tahini Sauce
In a blender, combine tahini, grated ginger, garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Add the baked chicken, cucumber avocado salad, crumbled feta, and a few dollops of tzatziki. Finish with a drizzle of ginger tahini sauce and your choice of fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and peperoncini.
Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
- Marinating Tip: Let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper, more robust flavors.
- Customizable Bowl: Add grains like quinoa or couscous to make this a more filling dish.
- Serving Style: You can serve this dish with warm pita or on a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
Greek Chicken Bowl Tips: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
- Grill Instead of Bake: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken over medium heat instead of baking it.
- Tzatziki Sauce Hacks: Add a touch of olive oil and lemon zest to the tzatziki for a more vibrant taste.
Best Greek Chicken Hacks: Ensure your chicken is well-marinated for maximum flavor, and don’t skip the broiling step for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Pair these Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls with:
- Pita bread or naan for a more traditional Mediterranean experience.
- A side of hummus or baba ganoush for extra dipping options.
- White wine or a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade to complement the dish’s vibrant flavors.
For a complete meal, you can also serve it alongside Greek Lentil Soup for a perfect pairing.
Nutritional Information: Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Each serving of Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls contains:
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Fats: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin A: 450 IU
- Vitamin C: 18mg
Note: Nutritional info for this dish may vary slightly depending on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
Storage and Leftovers for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
If you have leftovers, store the components separately to keep them fresh. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, and tzatziki will stay good for about 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or enjoy it cold in a salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. - What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip the pita or use gluten-free bread alternatives. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauces ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and assemble the bowls right before serving.
Related Recipes for Greek Chicken Lovers
Check out these delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipes:
Conclusion
There you have it! A fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe for Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to your liking, and feel free to share your personal variations in the comments below. Enjoy your culinary trip to Greece!
Let us know how your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls turned out!
PrintGreek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe – Easy & Flavorful
Description
Welcome to a flavor-packed journey through the Mediterranean! This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe brings the vibrant, fresh, and aromatic tastes of Greece to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meals or looking for a quick yet delicious option, this dish is for you. Let’s dive into how you can create a perfect balance of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1–2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas for serving
For the Ginger Tahini sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Feel free to substitute or omit ingredients based on your dietary preferences. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by serving it over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of pita.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor infusion.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, making sure it’s evenly spaced. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and bake for another 5-10 minutes until fully cooked. For extra flavor, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes to get a charred, smoky finish.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki and Cucumber Salad
While the chicken cooks, prepare the cucumber salad by combining the chopped cucumbers, avocado, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. For the tzatziki, you can use store-bought or homemade (see recipe below).
Step 4: Make the Ginger Tahini Sauce
In a blender, combine tahini, grated ginger, garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as necessary to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of fresh lettuce in each bowl. Add the baked chicken, cucumber avocado salad, crumbled feta, and a few dollops of tzatziki. Finish with a drizzle of ginger tahini sauce and your choice of fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and peperoncini.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- Marinating Tip: Let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper, more robust flavors.
- Customizable Bowl: Add grains like quinoa or couscous to make this a more filling dish.
- Serving Style: You can serve this dish with warm pita or on a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
Greek Chicken Bowl Tips: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs for the best flavor.