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Easy Flavor-Packed Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Greek chicken bowls - featured image

A quick and easy Greek chicken bowl recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • Feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden brown with some charred spots.
  4. While the chicken cooks, warm the rice or quinoa and prepare the veggies: halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop cucumber, and halve olives. Crumble feta cheese if using.
  5. Assemble the bowls by layering warm rice or quinoa, sliced chicken thighs, fresh veggies, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle feta on top if desired and add an extra squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Squeeze cucumber thoroughly to avoid watery tzatziki. Use a hot pan for a good sear and avoid overcrowding. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing for juiciness. Store components separately for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken bowls, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean, easy dinner, chicken thighs, healthy recipe, weeknight meal