If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes—fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying—the Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish bursts with vibrant ingredients like tangy tzatziki, perfectly seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and salty feta, all harmoniously tossed together in a colorful bowl. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table while keeping things wholesome and effortless. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these bowls bring joyful flavor and a hint of sunshine to your plate every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy richness of Greek yogurt to the zesty brightness of lemon juice, every component contributes texture, color, and that unmistakable Mediterranean flavor you’ll love.
- Full-fat plain Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): The base for tenderizing chicken and enriching the tzatziki’s creaminess.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds a fruity richness to the marinade while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds, cubed): Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the bold flavors.
- Garlic cloves (6, chopped): Brings a pungent warmth that infuses the chicken.
- Shallots (2, chopped): Offer a subtle onion sweetness that balances the marinade.
- Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh oregano (1 tablespoon, chopped): Bright and herbaceous, it’s the soul of Greek seasoning.
- Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper: Provide the perfect spicy kick and seasoning balance.
- Persian cucumbers (2, chopped): Crisp and refreshing, they lighten up the bowl.
- Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and buttery, adding lush texture.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds lively acidity to brighten every bite.
- Fresh dill (1/4 cup, chopped): Herbaceous and slightly tangy, it makes the cucumber salad pop.
- Crumbled feta cheese (6 ounces): Salty and tangy, a Greek classic that elevates the dish.
- Tzatziki sauce (1-2 cups): Cooling and garlicky, it’s the creamy star of the bowls.
- Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas: Essential for serving and adding layers of crunch and freshness.
- Tahini (1/2 cup): Nutty richness to drizzle over and amp up flavor complexity.
- Grated ginger (2 teaspoons): A surprising note that adds subtle warmth to the tahini sauce.
- Grated garlic (1 clove): Deepens the tahini’s savory profile.
- Tamari (2 teaspoons): Adds umami depth without overpowering the other tastes.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances savory elements with gentle sweetness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, chopped garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, fresh oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade does wonders for tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with that signature Mediterranean scent and flavor. Let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes or, even better, cover and marinate overnight in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more intense those flavors become.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the marinated chicken cubes evenly across a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then give everything a good toss and pop it back in for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. Switch your oven to broil, and broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes. This final step gives the chicken those beautiful charred edges that add smoky complexity and irresistible texture to the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber and Avocado Salad
While the chicken roasts, toss together your chopped Persian cucumbers, diced avocado, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. This combo brightens the bowl with a fresh crunch and creamy balance, perfectly complementing the spicy, smoky chicken. It’s simple but transforms the bowl into a refreshing, vibrant meal.
Step 4: Make the Tahini Sauce
Whiz the tahini, grated ginger, grated garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and 1/4 cup water in a blender until smooth. Add more water if you want a thinner consistency. The resulting sauce is nutty, slightly sweet, and infused with bright citrus and ginger notes, which pair beautifully with the tzatziki and chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Fill your bowls with a base of crisp lettuce leaves. Layer on the roasted chicken, cucumber-avocado salad, and generous crumbles of feta cheese. Spoon several dollops of creamy tzatziki over the top, then drizzle with the luscious tahini sauce. Add peperoncini, onions, fresh tomatoes, and warm pita slices on the side for a complete, satisfying feast.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, bright garnishes like chopped fresh herbs (oregano, dill, or parsley) bring an herbal lift while adding appealing color. A sprinkle of extra chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil adds a subtle punch and shine. Pickled peperoncini or red onions introduce acidity that balances the richness beautifully and perks up every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe alongside warm, fluffy pita bread or crunchy garlic pita chips. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives fits perfectly here, adding more freshness and texture. Roasted potatoes or lemon rice pilaf also complement the flavors, rounding out the meal with hearty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive meal, serve the ingredients deconstructed on a platter, letting everyone build their own bowls. You can also stuff the chicken and toppings inside warm pita pockets for a portable, handheld version. For a healthy twist, swap the pita for cauliflower rice or serve over quinoa to boost protein and fiber content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken, vegetables, and sauces in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Storing components separately helps preserve the textures and freshness without the ingredients getting soggy.
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portioned airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. However, avoid freezing the fresh cucumber and avocado salad or the tzatziki, as their textures can suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep it juicy and flavorful. Add fresh cucumber, avocado, and tzatziki after reheating to keep those components cool and crisp. Drizzle tahini sauce fresh each time for the best texture and taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and tend to stay tender after baking, making them a fantastic choice for this Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes up to overnight. For best flavor penetration, aim for several hours or overnight in the fridge.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain regular yogurt strained through cheesecloth to thicken it, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative, although the taste and texture may slightly vary.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the Greek yogurt and feta with dairy-free alternatives or omit the feta altogether. Use coconut or cashew-based yogurt for the tzatziki to maintain some creaminess.
What’s the best way to store leftover tzatziki sauce?
Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that truly brings people together with its fresh flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, balancing smoky, creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these bowls deliver Mediterranean magic in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a favorite on your table too!
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Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls are a fresh and vibrant meal perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Marinated chicken breasts baked and broiled for a charred finish are paired with creamy tzatziki, crisp cucumber, avocado salad, feta cheese, and drizzled with a homemade tahini sauce. The bowls combine Mediterranean flavors that are both healthy and satisfying.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 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 chopped fresh oregano
- Chili flakes, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cucumber Avocado Salad
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed)
- Salt, to taste
Assembly
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1–2 cups tzatziki sauce
- Lettuce, for serving
- Peperoncini, for serving
- Onion slices, for serving
- Tomatoes, for serving
- Pita bread, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, chopped garlic, chopped shallots, smoked paprika, fresh oregano, chili flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the chicken pieces are well coated. Let the mixture marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to overnight for more flavor.
- Bake and Broil the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the marinated chicken pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss the chicken and bake for another 5-10 minutes until fully cooked through. Switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes to achieve a nice charred edge.
- Prepare the Cucumber Avocado Salad: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped Persian cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: In a blender, combine tahini, grated ginger, grated garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth. Add more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place a bed of lettuce into serving bowls. Top with baked chicken, cucumber avocado salad, and crumbled feta cheese. Add dollops of tzatziki sauce on top. Finish by drizzling the tahini sauce over everything. Serve with peperoncini, sliced onions, tomatoes, and warm pita bread on the side.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers work as a substitute.
- To make this dish gluten-free, serve with gluten-free pita or skip the pita altogether.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it immediately with lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
