Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Cooking is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about bringing flavors together, enjoying vibrant colors, and nurturing our bodies with wholesome ingredients. This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce is a delightful example of how you can create something delicious while keeping it healthy. With its colorful presentation and fresh ingredients, this dish is perfect for any night of the week or for meal prep!
Why Make This Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. The combination of lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and feta, as well as the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables makes it a well-rounded dish. The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or for impressing guests at a gathering!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked basmati or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dill or mint, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Marinate & Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor). Grill, pan-sear, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble Your Bowl: Start with a base of rice in your bowl. Top it with sliced grilled chicken. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, olives, and feta around the bowl. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl warm, with a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice on top. It’s delightful on its own or you can pair it with pita bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the tzatziki sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its freshness.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option if you prefer.
- Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite vegetables or grains; quinoa and couscous work great too!
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
Variation
You can easily make this bowl vegetarian by swapping chicken for grilled halloumi or chickpeas. Additionally, you can mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables, like roasted bell peppers or zucchini.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki can save you time; just make sure to choose a good quality brand.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice, this dish will be gluten-free.
How do I make this meal prep-friendly?
Prepare each component in advance and assemble them in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything fresh!
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 each juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- to taste Salt & black pepper Use to season the chicken.
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked basmati or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 each cucumber, diced
- 1/4 each red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt For the tzatziki sauce.
- 1/2 each cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced For the tzatziki sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For the tzatziki sauce.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice For the tzatziki sauce.
- 1 tsp dill or mint, chopped For the tzatziki sauce.
- to taste Salt & pepper For seasoning the tzatziki sauce.
- for serving Lemon wedges Serve alongside the bowl.
Instructions
Marinate & Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
- Grill, pan-sear, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill or mint, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble Your Bowl
- Start with a base of rice in your bowl.
- Top it with sliced grilled chicken.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, olives, and feta around the bowl.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick!
