Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice

If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal packed with Mediterranean flavors, look no further than Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice. This dish brings together juicy, oregano-seasoned chicken breast, fluffy jasmine rice, and fresh, crisp veggies drizzled with a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and light, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on busy days. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a favorite and how you can master it in your kitchen!

Why Cooks Rave About It

There’s a reason this recipe wins hearts across the board. The combination of tender chicken breast marinated with olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder delivers authentic Greek flavors in every bite. Jasmine rice acts as the perfect base, absorbing the vibrant juices from the chicken and veggies. The fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion add a refreshing crunch that balances beautifully with the creamy feta and kalamata olives’ briny punch. And then there’s the tzatziki — a luscious, garlicky yogurt sauce that elevates the whole bowl to a restaurant-quality experience.

Beyond flavor, Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice are incredibly versatile. They’re naturally gluten-free, packed with protein and fresh vegetables, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It’s a great way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine without the fuss.

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Fresh dill for garnish

Hardware & Gadgets

• Cutting board and sharp knife – for prepping veggies and chicken
• Large skillet or frying pan – to cook the chicken evenly
• Mixing bowl – for combining the tzatziki sauce ingredients
• Measuring spoons and cups – to keep the seasoning balanced
• Serving bowls or meal prep containers – for assembling and serving your bowls

Mastering Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice: How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken breast with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well-coated with the seasoning for that authentic Greek flavor. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes if you have time; otherwise, you can cook it right away.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. For an extra touch of freshness, finely chop some fresh dill and mix it into the sauce. This tzatziki will bring a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory chicken.

Step 4: Prep Your Veggies

Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. These fresh ingredients add crunch and brightness to your bowl, balancing out the richness of the chicken and feta.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a generous scoop of cooked jasmine rice as your base. Layer the chicken on top, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced kalamata olives. Drizzle with the homemade tzatziki sauce and garnish with fresh dill.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for a warm, fresh meal or refrigerate for later use. These bowls are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy Greek Lemon Chicken And Rice, which offers another delicious twist on Mediterranean chicken and rice dishes.

International Equivalents

• Mediterranean Chicken Bowls (Middle Eastern style with tahini sauce)
• Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls (with salsa, avocado, and cilantro)
• Japanese Yakitori Chicken Rice Bowls (grilled chicken glazed with sweet soy sauce) – try this Yakitori Chicken Rice Bowls recipe for a flavorful alternative
• Indian Chicken Biryani Bowls (spiced rice with marinated chicken and yogurt raita)

Don’t Do This

• Don’t skip seasoning the chicken well—it’s the foundation of flavor in this dish.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should remain juicy, not dry.
• Don’t use store-bought tzatziki if you want that fresh, homemade taste—making your own is quick and worth it.
• Don’t overload the rice; balance the portions to enjoy every component of the bowl.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice make excellent leftovers and meal prep options. Store the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce in its own container to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowl with fresh veggies and tzatziki. This way, your meal stays vibrant and delicious without sogginess.

Questions People Ask

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well as a healthier, whole-grain alternative. Keep in mind that it takes longer to cook and has a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, which pairs nicely with the tender chicken and creamy tzatziki.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. You can substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. For the tzatziki, swap the Greek yogurt with a coconut or almond milk-based yogurt, and add fresh herbs and lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Grilling is a fantastic option and adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean spices perfectly. Just make sure to skewer the diced chicken or cook in a grill basket to prevent pieces from falling through the grates.

How do I store leftover tzatziki sauce?

Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the yogurt and cucumber mixture may separate slightly over time.

Similar Recipes

• Greek Lemon Chicken And Rice – a zesty, herb-infused chicken and rice dish with bright lemon notes
• Yakitori Chicken Rice Bowls – savory grilled chicken glazed with a sweet soy sauce served over rice
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – a refreshing bowl packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and a lemony dressing
• Homemade Tzatziki Dip – perfect for snacking or adding to any Mediterranean dish

The Last Word

Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki & Rice are a flavor-packed, balanced meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The marriage of tender, herb-seasoned chicken with fluffy jasmine rice and fresh veggies, all brought together by a creamy tzatziki sauce, makes for a satisfying and wholesome experience. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try and bring a little taste of the Mediterranean to your table tonight!

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