Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: incredible chicken tzatziki bowls! These loaded bowls are bursting with fresh, satisfying flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Combining perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant salads, and creamy sauces, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly fulfilling. Get ready to enjoy tender chicken, cool tzatziki, and crisp toppings all in one delightful chicken tzatziki bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
This delightful chicken tzatziki bowl will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for many reasons:
For those interested in a balanced lifestyle, understanding the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet can enhance your appreciation for Greek cuisine.
- Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, it comes together without fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the vibrant, fresh tastes of Greek cuisine in every bite.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it leaves you feeling great.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare components in advance for effortless future meals.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
For the 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, Kosher salt, and black pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Cucumber Salad:
- 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
For the Ginger Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 cup water (plus more for thinning)
For Serving:
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1-2 cups tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Lettuce, shredded
- Peperoncini, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Pita bread or naan, warmed
Notes & Substitutions
For your chicken tzatziki bowl, you can easily tailor the ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier result than breasts if you prefer. Feel free to vary the fresh herbs; mint or parsley also work wonderfully in the marinade or salad. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute dairy-free plain yogurt for the Greek yogurt and omit the feta cheese. For a gluten-free meal, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce. To make your own tzatziki from scratch, check out our easy recipe for a fresh twist. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or Kalamata olives to your bowl for extra flavor.
Equipment
Gathering your kitchen tools before you begin makes cooking a breeze. For this recipe, you will need a few standard items. Make sure you have large mixing bowls, a baking sheet for the chicken, and a blender or food processor for the sauce. A reliable cutting board and sharp knife are essential for prepping your ingredients, along with accurate measuring cups and spoons.
Instructions
Creating your delightful chicken tzatziki bowl is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
- Marinate the chicken by combining Greek yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, fresh oregano, chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl; mix until well coated and marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Roast the chicken for 15 minutes, toss, then continue baking for 5–10 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired to create lightly charred edges, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare the avocado cucumber salad by gently tossing chopped Persian cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Make the ginger tahini sauce by blending tahini, grated fresh ginger, grated garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and water until smooth; add more water gradually to thin if needed.
- Assemble the bowls by layering shredded lettuce, roasted chicken, avocado cucumber salad, and crumbled feta in serving bowls.
- Add optional toppings such as peperoncini, red onion, and tomatoes, then finish with tzatziki sauce and a drizzle of ginger tahini sauce.
- Serve immediately with warm pita bread or naan.
Pro Tips for Success
Enhance your chicken tzatziki bowl with these helpful tips:
- Optimal Marination: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight, allows the flavors to truly penetrate, creating more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Broiling briefly at the end adds a lovely char and texture, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Customize Your Spiciness: Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the chicken marinade to match your preferred level of heat.
- Tahini Consistency: For the ginger tahini sauce, add water gradually. This helps you achieve the perfect drizzly consistency without making it too thin too quickly.
- Freshness is Key: Using fresh herbs like dill and oregano, along with ripe avocado, truly elevates the flavors of this vibrant dish.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make your chicken tzatziki bowl experience even better with these ideas.
Serving Ideas: These bowls are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with crispy baked sweet potato fries, fluffy quinoa, or brown rice for a heartier meal. Consider serving extra chopped raw vegetables on the side for added crunch.
Storage Instructions: To keep your components fresh, store the roasted chicken and prepared sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cucumber-avocado salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to one day.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken marinade and chop all your vegetables a day in advance. The ginger tahini sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making assembly quick when you’re ready to eat.
Customization Ideas: Explore other proteins like grilled lamb, pan-seared shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Swap out grains for farro or couscous, and add extra toppings such as Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to your healthy chicken tzatziki bowl.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious and nourishing chicken tzatziki bowl knowing it’s packed with goodness. The estimated nutrition information per serving provides a helpful guide for your dietary needs.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 560 kcal |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes. Consult a qualified professional for personalized dietary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about making your amazing chicken tzatziki bowl? Here are some common inquiries.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free Greek-style yogurt for the marinade and simply omit the crumbled feta cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
- Can I use a different protein? Yes, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Grilled lamb, pan-seared shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas are excellent substitutions for the chicken in this Greek-inspired bowl.
- How long do leftovers last? Stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, the chicken and sauces remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. Assemble bowls just before serving for the best quality.
- Is homemade tzatziki worth it? While store-bought tzatziki is convenient, making your own offers a fresher flavor and allows you to control the ingredients. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up from scratch!
- What if I don’t like tahini? If tahini isn’t your preference, you can omit the ginger tahini sauce entirely. The tzatziki sauce provides plenty of creamy flavor for your chicken tzatziki bowl.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to create a truly delicious and satisfying chicken tzatziki bowl right in your own kitchen! This recipe proves that healthy, flavorful meals can be quick and easy to prepare, even on your busiest days. We encourage you to try this versatile and incredibly tasty Greek-inspired meal soon. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media; we can’t wait to see your fantastic chicken tzatziki bowls!
Easy & Flavorful Chicken Tzatziki Bowls
Equipment
- bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Blender
Ingredients
Chicken & Bowl Components
- 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
- black pepper
- 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
For Serving
- lettuce
- peperoncini
- onion
- tomatoes
- pitas
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 2 teaspoons tamari
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, cubed chicken, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken mixture for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes until the chicken edges are charred.
Prepare Other Components
- While the chicken cooks, combine chopped cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
- To make the tahini sauce, blend tahini, grated ginger, grated garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- Add more water to the tahini sauce if needed to reach desired consistency, then season to taste with salt.
Assembly
- To assemble, add lettuce to a bowl, then top with the cooked chicken, cucumber/avocado mixture, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add any other desired toppings, then finish with a few dollops of Tzatziki sauce and a drizzle of the prepared tahini sauce.