Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made with cucumber and yogurt. It’s…
By Emily
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The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made with cucumber and yogurt. It’s a colorful dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves light but satisfying food with a Greek twist.
I really enjoy making this bowl because it’s easy to customize and comes together quickly on busy days. I like to add lots of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up even more. The tzatziki sauce is my favorite part—it adds that perfect cooling touch that balances the spices on the chicken.
Serving this in a bowl makes it a perfect lunch or dinner. I usually pile everything over some fluffy rice or quinoa, and sometimes I add a few olives or cherry tomatoes for extra punch. It’s the kind of meal that feels healthy but still leaves you happily full, and I always look forward to making it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: They cook quickly and stay juicy when grilled. If you prefer, thighs add more flavor and stay tender. For a vegetarian twist, try grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Greek yogurt: This is the base of the tzatziki sauce—thick and creamy, it balances the garlic and cucumber. If you can’t find Greek yogurt, plain yogurt strained with a cheesecloth works well.
Cucumber: Adds crisp texture and freshness to the sauce and bowl. Peel and seed the cucumber if you want milder flavor. English cucumbers are less bitter and great sliced thin.
Dill: Fresh dill is key for that authentic tzatziki taste. If fresh isn’t available, dried dill can substitute, but use less as it’s more concentrated. Parsley also works in a pinch.
Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice brings a fragrant and fluffy base. Quinoa or couscous make nice gluten-free or nutty alternatives.
How Can I Make Tender and Flavorful Grilled Chicken for This Bowl?
Getting juicy chicken with a good char is all about prep and heat control. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat the chicken dry to help it brown well.
- Rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Preheat your grill pan until hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking and create a great sear.
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat, flipping once, until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer if you can.
- Let it rest 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before slicing thin.
This simple technique gives the chicken good flavor and beautiful grill marks, perfect for layering in the bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – perfect for cooking chicken evenly and getting those tasty grill marks.
- Medium pot with lid – you’ll cook the rice here; the lid helps steam it perfectly.
- Mixing bowl – great for making the tzatziki sauce and tossing veggies.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing chicken, cucumbers, and tomatoes easy and safe.
- Cutting board – protects your counters and keeps prep neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for grilled lamb or beef strips for a heartier flavor.
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the bowl for a salty, creamy touch.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or olives for extra color and briny notes.
- Spice up the chicken with smoked paprika or cumin for a warm, earthy twist.
Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (juice and wedge for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated cucumber (from about 1/4 of the cucumber)
For the Veggies and Extras:
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pieces of pita bread, grilled or toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken, and a few minutes to assemble. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome and fresh Chicken Tzatziki Bowl ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, half of the chopped dill, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For extra texture and flavor, grate a small portion of the cucumber and stir it in. Mix well and set aside.
3. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
Thinly slice cucumber and red onion, and chop tomatoes. Toss the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and some of the remaining dill to add brightness.
5. Grill the Pita Bread:
Cut pita bread into triangles and grill or toast lightly until warm and marks appear.
6. Assemble Your Bowl:
Start with a layer of cooked rice in each bowl. Arrange sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions on top. Add a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with remaining fresh dill and place a lemon wedge on the side.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Tzatziki Bowl with warm grilled pita bread. Use the pita to scoop up the delicious flavors or enjoy the bowl with a fork. It’s a fresh, tasty meal that is simple and satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid extra moisture that can prevent good browning.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce actually tastes better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice gently on the stove or microwave, and add fresh tzatziki when serving for best texture.
What Can I Substitute for Rice in This Bowl?
Quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice all work well as alternatives if you want a gluten-free or lower-carb option. Just prepare them according to package instructions.
