When you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors, creamy textures, and bold Mediterranean spices, these Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are the answer. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender yogurt-marinated chicken thighs, tangy homemade tzatziki sauce, and crisp veggies served over a base of fluffy rice. It’s healthy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! Let’s dive into how to make this fresh and flavorful dish that your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, this meal checks all the boxes for a nutritious dinner.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Add more veggies, swap the rice for quinoa, or skip the feta for a dairy-free version.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken and make the tzatziki sauce in advance for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this bowl filled with fun toppings and creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Chicken Gyro Bowls
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (drained)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 4–6 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, quartered
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Gyro Bowls:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Greek yogurt makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, adding flavor and tenderness while keeping it healthy. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up a simple yet delicious tzatziki sauce:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess liquid using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, garlic, Greek yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken
For this recipe, you can use an air fryer or oven:
- Preheat the air fryer or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a lined baking sheet.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Now it’s time to put everything together:
- Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl.
- Top with diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Success With Chicken Gyro Bowls
- Marinate Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight to save time and maximize flavor.
- Tzatziki Shortcuts: If you’re in a pinch, store-bought tzatziki can work as a substitute.
- Rice Options: Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for variety.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese.
- Kid-Friendly: Serve ingredients separately so kids can build their own bowls.
Storage and Meal Prep
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh bowls as needed.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
2. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use plain regular yogurt, but the marinade may be slightly thinner. Strain regular yogurt for a thicker consistency if desired.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and skip the feta cheese.
Why This Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe Works
This recipe is a true weeknight winner because it combines simplicity with big flavor. The Greek yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while adding a tangy kick. Fresh veggies provide crunch and color, and the homemade tzatziki sauce ties everything together. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!
Watch me make these bowls on Youtube!
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Chicken Gyro Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are the ultimate combination of fresh flavors, creamy textures, and bold Mediterranean spices. Featuring marinated chicken thighs, a vibrant tzatziki sauce, and crisp veggies over rice, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup grated cucumber (drained)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 4–6 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- ½ cucumber, quartered
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours).
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- In a small bowl, combine grated cucumber, garlic, Greek yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange marinated chicken in a single layer in an air fryer basket or on a lined baking sheet.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of rice in each bowl.
- Top with diced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Prep the chicken and tzatziki sauce the night before for a quick dinner.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Add olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Leftover chicken works great in wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 20
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