Table of Contents
Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls 🥗 – Easy, Fresh & Flavorful!
Introduction
Did you know that the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its heart-healthy and longevity-boosting properties, consistently ranks as one of the world’s healthiest eating patterns? This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe is your delicious gateway to those benefits. Welcome to a flavor-packed journey through the Mediterranean! This dish 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. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a colorful, nutrient-dense experience that will make you feel like you’re dining on a sun-drenched Greek island.
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to build your bowl. I’ve included sensory notes and easy substitutions to make this recipe work for you.
- For the Greek Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite with a richer mouthfeel, while breasts are leaner.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – The fruity, peppery base of the marinade.
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup) – For that essential bright, tangy zing.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a pungent, aromatic backbone.
- 1 tbsp dried oregano – The quintessential Greek herb, earthy and slightly bitter.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds a subtle, minty-lemony layer.
- 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika – For a hint of warmth and a beautiful red hue.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper – To taste.
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt – Substitution: Use dairy-free coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan version. The full-fat variety gives a luxuriously creamy, tangy base that clings beautifully to the other ingredients.
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry – This is crucial! Removing excess water prevents a watery sauce and ensures a thick, refreshing crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped – Substitution: 2 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh mint for a different herbal note.
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar – Lemon is brighter, vinegar is more traditional and sharp.
- Salt to taste
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro – Quinoa adds a complete protein and a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Their sweet, juicy burst contrasts the creamy elements.
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced – Soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharpness if desired.
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced – For a crisp, sweet crunch.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted – Salty, briny, and unmistakably Greek.
- 4 oz (115g) feta cheese, crumbled – Substitution: Vegan feta or omit for dairy-free.
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Timing
20 minutes
15 minutes
35 minutes
This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe clocks in at just 35 minutes from start to finish. Compared to the average weeknight dinner that can take 45-60 minutes, this is a significant time-saver. The secret is the quick, no-cook marinade and the ability to prep veggies while the chicken cooks. It’s a perfect example of how a meal bursting with fresh, complex flavors doesn’t have to be a weekend project.

A vibrant, colorful Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl, ready to enjoy in under 35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. For the deepest flavor, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. This step is non-negotiable for infusing the chicken with that iconic Greek character.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, make your tzatziki. Grate the cucumber using a box grater. Here’s the pro tip: place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This is the key to a thick, creamy sauce, not a runny one. In a separate bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is beautifully charred and caramelized. The smell will be incredible! Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Then, slice it against the grain into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
This is the fun, creative part! Start with a base of fluffy quinoa or your grain of choice in each bowl. Artfully arrange your sliced Greek chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives around the perimeter. Generously dollop (or drizzle) the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce over everything. Finish with a hearty sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a final flourish of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. The visual contrast is as satisfying as the taste.
Nutritional Information
The following estimates are for one bowl, assuming the recipe serves 4 and includes quinoa, chicken breast, and all listed ingredients.
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Dietary Fiber: ~6g
- Sugars: ~8g
- Fat: ~22g (Saturated Fat: ~7g)
- Sodium: ~780mg (varies based on feta/olive saltiness)
Healthier Alternatives
Want to tweak this Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl recipe for specific dietary goals? Here are flavorful, nutrition-friendly swaps:
- Lower Carb: Swap the grain base for a bed of mixed greens, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles (“zoodles”).
- Lower Fat: Use chicken breast instead of thighs, and opt for low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki. Reduce the feta cheese by half.
- Higher Protein: Increase the portion of chicken breast. You can also add a can of rinsed chickpeas to the bowl for extra plant-based protein and fiber.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use a thick, plain vegan yogurt for the tzatziki, skip the feta or use a vegan alternative, and replace the chicken with marinated, grilled chickpeas or extra-firm tofu.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can elevate your Greek feast with a few simple sides:
- With Pita: Serve with warm, toasted pita bread or pita chips for scooping.
- As a Salad: Deconstruct it! Chop all ingredients smaller and toss everything (including the grain) in a large bowl with a simple lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a fantastic Greek chicken salad.
- Meal Prep Hero: This recipe is a meal prep superstar. Store components separately in airtight containers. The chicken and tzatziki will keep for 4 days, and the chopped veggies for 3. Assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.
Common Mistakes
- Watery Tzatziki: Not squeezing the cucumber dry is the #1 mistake. Take the extra minute to do it—it makes all the difference.
- Overcooked, Dry Chicken: Use a meat thermometer! Pull the chicken at 165°F and let it rest. Slicing immediately lets all the precious juices run out.
- Bland Marinade: Don’t be shy with the herbs, garlic, and lemon. Taste your marinade; it should be potent. If using dried herbs, rub them between your palms before adding to wake up their oils.
- Soggy Bowls (Meal Prep): Assembling everything in advance, especially putting tzatziki on the grain, will lead to a soggy mess.






