If you love a meal that’s both hearty and fresh, these Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce will quickly become a staple in your weekly menu. Perfectly seasoned chicken, paired with crisp vegetables and a creamy homemade tzatziki, creates a dish that’s satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. These bowls are a win for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep alike. Even picky eaters will enjoy customizing their own bowls, making them a true family-friendly option.
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, the grains form a hearty base, fresh vegetables add brightness, and the tzatziki sauce ties everything together with its creamy, garlicky tang. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, this recipe is built to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.
What Is Tzatziki Sauce?
Tzatziki is a classic Greek sauce known for its cooling and refreshing flavor. Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper, it’s a versatile sauce that works well in countless dishes. The yogurt provides creaminess, the cucumber adds crisp freshness, and the dill and lemon juice brighten the flavors.
In these bowls, tzatziki acts as the perfect finishing touch, adding both richness and a refreshing balance to the seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a dip for vegetables or pita bread, a spread on sandwiches, or a sauce for grilled meats.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Bowls
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, these bowls provide a balanced meal that keeps you full.
- Flavorful: The combination of marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta ensures each bite is full of flavor.
- Customizable: Swap the grains, switch up your veggies, or add extras like olives, roasted peppers, or pickled onions.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make the components ahead of time, and assembling the bowls is quick and easy during the week.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone can build their own bowl to suit their taste, from toddlers to adults.
If you struggle to find weeknight dinners that are both nourishing and exciting, these Greek Chicken Bowls deliver the perfect solution.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, combine the cubed chicken with yogurt, olive oil, garlic, diced shallot, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until every piece is well coated. For best results, let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate and tenderizes the meat.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki
Grate the cucumbers and gently squeeze out excess water with a towel. In a bowl, combine the cucumbers with Greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve. The longer the tzatziki rests, the more the flavors meld together.
3. Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and spoon any remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a slight crisp on the edges, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of cooking.
4. Make the Cucumber Salad
While the chicken bakes, prepare a fresh cucumber salad. Combine sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat. To prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked quinoa or rice among bowls. Layer with fresh spinach, cooked chicken, cucumber salad, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Optionally, serve with warm pita wedges and pickled red onions for extra flavor.
Building the Perfect Greek Chicken Bowl
Creating a balanced bowl is all about layering flavors and textures. Here’s how to build yours:
1. The Chicken
Marinated in Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, the chicken is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Baking and a quick broil gives the edges a delicious caramelized finish.
2. The Grains
Quinoa or rice makes the perfect hearty base. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, while rice or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives. Grains soak up the tzatziki sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
3. The Greens
Fresh spinach provides color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy flavor. Other greens like kale, arugula, or shredded romaine work well too. They add crunch and freshness to every bite.
4. The Vegetables
A cucumber and avocado salad with dill and lemon juice adds creamy freshness, while cherry tomatoes give a juicy, sweet pop. Optional pickled red onions add a tangy depth that complements the creamy tzatziki.
5. The Toppings
Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, creamy layer that pulls the entire bowl together. Warm pita wedges on the side make it a complete, satisfying meal.
6. The Sauce
Tzatziki is the star of the bowl. Its tangy, refreshing flavor perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and feta, and it brings the dish together in every bite.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
These bowls are ideal for meal prep because all the components can be made ahead and stored separately:
- Chicken: Marinate overnight and cook ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Tzatziki: Make up to 3 days in advance. Store in a covered container and stir before using.
- Other Components: Keep grains, greens, and vegetables separate until ready to assemble to prevent sogginess.
- Avocado: Dice just before serving to avoid browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, especially when marinated.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Fresh dill is ideal, but you can substitute parsley or mint for a slightly different flavor.
How long does tzatziki sauce last?
Homemade tzatziki keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Is tzatziki sauce healthy?
Yes! Made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and herbs, it’s high in protein and lower in calories than mayo-based sauces.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for both the marinade and tzatziki, like coconut or almond yogurt.
Flavorful Greek Chicken Bowls with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
- Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
⅓ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, diced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
Cucumber Salad
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced and quartered
1 avocado, diced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Tzatziki
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
2 Persian cucumbers, grated and squeezed
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
To Serve
2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
6 oz crumbled feta cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
Warm pita bread, cut into wedges
Pickled red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with marinade ingredients. Mix well. Marinate 15 minutes at room temperature or overnight in fridge.
- Make Tzatziki: Mix grated cucumbers, yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread chicken on baking sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes until internal temp 165°F. Broil 1–2 minutes for crispy edges.
- Cucumber Salad: Toss cucumbers, avocado, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Add avocado just before serving.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide grains between bowls. Layer spinach, chicken, cucumber salad, cherry tomatoes, and feta. Drizzle tzatziki. Serve with pita and pickled onions.
Notes
- Chill tzatziki at least 30 minutes for flavor. Keeps 3 days in fridge.
- Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
- Nutritional information is approximate and varies by ingredient brands.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
