Description
Experience the flavors of Greece with this delicious chicken gyro bowl, featuring marinated chicken, fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a rich tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large English cucumber (1 lb)
- 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Warm pita bread or wraps (optional)
- Additional lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Start by grating the cucumber and squeezing out any excess moisture. Mix the grated cucumber with the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade and let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook your marinated chicken using your preferred method—pan-frying, grilling, broiling, or baking. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes once cooked.
- Prepare Greek Rice Pilaf (if desired): Heat olive oil in a saucepan, toast the rice for a couple of minutes until it’s lightly golden, then add broth, dried oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prepare Bowl Components: Wash and dry the mixed greens. Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers, and finely slice the red onion. Halve the Kalamata olives and crumble your feta cheese.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of mixed greens, then add the cooked chicken, diced vegetables, olives, feta, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve with lemon wedges and warm pita if you like.
Notes
Don’t skip the marination! It immensely enhances the chicken’s flavor. Adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Greek, chicken, gyro, bowl, tzatziki, Mediterranean, healthy dinner