Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal that combines juicy grilled chicken with creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. It's packed with crisp veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes, fluffy…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal that combines juicy grilled chicken with creamy, cool tzatziki sauce. It’s packed with crisp veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes, fluffy rice or grains, and a sprinkle of herbs that brighten every bite. The mix of textures and refreshing flavors makes it a perfect dish for warm days or anytime you want something light yet filling.
I love making this bowl because it’s so easy to customize. Sometimes I add olives or feta cheese for a little extra tang, and other times I throw in some roasted veggies to warm things up. The star here is definitely the tzatziki sauce – its garlicky, yogurt goodness ties everything together so nicely. I usually make the sauce ahead of time so it gets even more delicious after sitting in the fridge.
This bowl works great for lunch or dinner, and it’s wonderful served with warm pita bread on the side. I find that using a good balance of protein, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce keeps me full without feeling heavy. It’s also a hit with friends who love Mediterranean flavors – everyone always asks for the recipe!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts work well here because they cook quickly and stay juicy with the spice rub. If you prefer, thighs are a good substitute and add more flavor and moisture.
Spices (Cumin & Smoked Paprika): These spices bring warmth and a subtle smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can work.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is key for creaminess. Use dairy-free yogurt to make it vegan. Fresh cucumber makes it refreshing, but you can use thinly sliced cucumber if you don’t want to grate.
Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice adds a nice fragrant base. Quinoa or couscous are tasty alternatives and add texture variety.
Veggies & Cheese: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions add crunch and acidity. Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness; goat cheese can replace it in a pinch.
How Can I Make the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky—they dry out easily. Here’s how I keep mine tender and tasty:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
- Rub the spice mix evenly, pressing it in so it sticks well.
- Cook over medium-high heat to get a quick char without overcooking inside.
- Cook each side about 5-7 minutes depending on size; use a meat thermometer if you have one (165°F or 75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep juices inside before slicing.
This method results in flavorful, juicy chicken that pairs perfectly with fresh tzatziki and veggies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking chicken evenly with a nice sear.
- Mixing bowls – handy for preparing the tzatziki sauce and marinating chicken spices.
- Knife and cutting board – to slice veggies and chicken safely and easily.
- Grater – for shredding cucumber finely into the tzatziki sauce.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices and lemon juice just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for grilled lamb or beef strips for a richer, heartier bowl.
- Add kalamata olives for a salty, briny kick that complements the fresh veggies.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini to add smoky sweetness and extra veggies.
- Top with a sprinkle of chopped mint or dill for a fresh herbal twist.
Chicken Tzatziki Bowl Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- ½ cup hummus
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce (see ingredients below)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled red onions
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and just a few minutes to assemble. You can make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time to save some extra steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and put it in the fridge while you cook the chicken to let the flavors blend.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mix all over the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Let it rest a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
Start by putting the cooked rice into your bowl. Add the sliced chicken on one side. Next, add dollops of hummus and tzatziki sauce. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and pickled red onions around the bowl. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or cilantro on top.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chicken Tzatziki Bowl immediately! For extra fun, add some warm pita bread on the side.
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 get a good sear and avoid steaming.
How Long Does the Tzatziki Sauce Keep?
You can store tzatziki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.
Can I Substitute the Rice?
Absolutely! Quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice work great if you want a different texture or a lower-carb option.
What’s a Good Alternative to Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or ricotta salata make tasty substitutes that still add a creamy, tangy element to the bowl.
