Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal packed with tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together perfectly. It’s a…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
The Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a fresh and flavorful meal packed with tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that brings everything together perfectly. It’s a great mix of textures with juicy chicken, crunchy cucumber, and soft pita or rice to scoop up every delicious bite.
I love making this bowl when I want something that feels light but still filling. The tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic is my favorite part—it adds a refreshing zing that makes each forkful taste bright and lively. Sometimes I add a little extra lemon juice or fresh herbs, which really spins it up and keeps it interesting.
For serving, I usually pile everything into a big bowl and let everyone mix their own bites. It’s super fun to customize with options like olives, tomatoes, or a handful of crunchy greens. This bowl is perfect for a casual lunch or a simple dinner, and I always feel good about eating it because it’s so balanced and tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Skinless chicken breasts are lean and juicy when grilled. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
Potatoes: Roasted potatoes add a nice crispy texture. You can swap them for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist or use chickpeas for a different crunch.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is the base and key to the sauce’s creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt and omit the garlic for a milder taste.
Cucumber & Dill: Fresh cucumber and dill give the bowl its refreshing and herbal notes. Fresh dill works best, but dried dill can be used in a pinch.
How Can I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time?
Grilling chicken just right can be tricky, but these steps help a lot:
- Marinate the chicken with spices and oil for at least 10 minutes to boost flavor.
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat before cooking.
- Cook chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side without moving them too much for nice grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer if possible; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in.
This method keeps your chicken juicy on the inside and slightly charred outside—just right for the bowl!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – perfect for getting nice char marks on the chicken and easy indoor cooking.
- Baking sheet – ideal for roasting potatoes evenly and getting them crispy.
- Mixing bowls – one for marinating chicken and another for mixing the tzatziki sauce.
- Grater – to grate cucumber finely for the tzatziki sauce without too much liquid.
- Sharp knife – for slicing chicken, cucumbers, and other veggies precisely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for lamb or beef strips to give a different traditional Greek taste.
- Add feta cheese crumbles for a tangy, salty kick that pairs beautifully with tzatziki.
- Toss in roasted red peppers or olives for extra color and Mediterranean flavor.
- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a lighter grain option with a slightly nutty taste.
Chicken Tzatziki Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for potatoes)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for potatoes)
- ½ tsp dried oregano (for potatoes)
- Salt and pepper (for potatoes)
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked rice or cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes marinating the chicken, 30 minutes roasting the potatoes, and 10-15 minutes cooking the chicken and assembling the bowl. All together, plan for around 50-60 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out extra water), minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and chill in the fridge while you cook the rest of the meal.
2. Roast the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade on the chicken breasts and let them rest 10-15 minutes. Then, cook the chicken on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. Assemble Your Bowl
Place cooked rice or quinoa and shredded lettuce or greens as a base in your bowl. Arrange sliced chicken, roasted potatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onions around the bowl.
5. Add Tzatziki and Garnish
Add a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce on top in the middle. Sprinkle fresh dill all over for a bright, herby flavor. Serve and enjoy your delicious Chicken Tzatziki Bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the flavors better.
Can I Make Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. The sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Potatoes?
If you want a healthy twist, try roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower florets instead. Both roast well and complement the flavors of the bowl nicely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the tzatziki sauce separately if possible to keep it fresh. Reheat chicken and potatoes gently in the oven or microwave before serving.