Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! The marinade works beautifully for grilling. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. You'll get amazing char marks and smoky flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can create a dairy-free version by using coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt in both the marinade and tzatziki. For the tzatziki, simply combine coconut yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.

What's the best way to prepare tzatziki from scratch?

Homemade tzatziki is simple! Grate one cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with 1½ cups Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Season with salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Can I substitute the tahini in the sauce?

If you don't have tahini or prefer something different, try blending soaked cashews for a creamy base, or use Greek yogurt with the same seasonings for a tangy alternative. Each will create a different flavor profile but will still complement the bowl beautifully.

Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

Name: Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: ⅓ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed; 6 garlic cloves, chopped; 2 shallots, chopped; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano; Chili flakes, to taste; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped; 1 avocado, diced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped; 6 oz crumbled feta cheese; Lettuce; Peperoncini; Onion; Tomatoes; Pitas; 1 ½ cup Tzatziki sauce; ½ cup tahini; 2 tsp grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, grated; 2 tsp tamari; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp honey

This Mediterranean-inspired Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a flavor explosion that brings together tender, smoky chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy sauces. It’s a balanced meal that feels like a vacation for your taste buds – all without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing dinner that will transport you straight to the Greek islands!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Explosion of Flavors: The combination of smoky paprika chicken, creamy tzatziki, and tangy ginger tahini creates layers of flavor that make every bite exciting.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Customizable: Build your bowl exactly how you like it! Add more or fewer toppings based on your preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Components can be prepared ahead of time and assembled for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Yogurt: Creates a tenderizing marinade for the chicken while adding protein and creaminess.
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the oven.
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs work equally well – thighs will be juicier, breasts leaner.
Garlic & Shallots: Provides aromatic foundation for the marinade – don’t skimp here!
Smoked Paprika: Gives the chicken a gorgeous color and subtle smoky flavor without needing a grill.
Fresh Oregano: Adds authentic Mediterranean flavor that dried just can’t match.
Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers provide the perfect crunch and freshness without excess moisture.
Avocado: Contributes creamy texture and healthy fats that balance the bold flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Dill brightens everything with its distinctive flavor profile.
Feta Cheese: Adds a salty, tangy element that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Tzatziki Sauce: The creamy, cooling element that brings everything together.
Tahini: The base for a delicious drizzling sauce that adds complexity and richness.
Ginger: Gives the tahini sauce an unexpected but delightful kick.
Fresh Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pepperoncini create the foundation of your bowl.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the chicken for lamb, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a different protein experience. For a vegetarian version, try roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same spice blend.

Grain Base

Add a layer of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur wheat to make these bowls even more substantial.

Make It Spicy

Increase the chili flakes in the marinade or add a drizzle of hot honey to the finished bowl for heat lovers.

Quick Shortcut

In a time crunch? Use rotisserie chicken tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and the same seasonings for an even faster meal.

How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, chicken cubes, chopped garlic, shallots, smoked paprika, fresh oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the flavors meld for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for even more flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Bake for 15 minutes, then give everything a good toss and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Broil for Extra Char

Switch your oven to broil and let the chicken get slightly charred for 1-2 minutes. This step adds incredible flavor and texture that mimics grilling.

Step 4: Prepare the Cucumber-Avocado Mixture

While the chicken cooks, toss together chopped Persian cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The acidity from the lemon will keep the avocado from browning.

Step 5: Make the Ginger Tahini Sauce

Combine tahini, grated ginger, grated garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Start with a bed of lettuce, then add the roasted chicken, cucumber-avocado mixture, crumbled feta cheese, and any additional toppings you desire. Dollop tzatziki sauce generously over the top and finish with a drizzle of the ginger tahini sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Marinade: Even 15 minutes makes a difference in flavor, but overnight marinating will take this dish to another level.
High Heat is Key: The 425°F oven temperature ensures the chicken gets nice caramelization while staying juicy inside.
Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt to each component rather than just the chicken – it heightens all the flavors.
Prep Components Ahead: Make the tahini sauce and marinate the chicken up to 2 days ahead for super-quick assembly later.
Room Temperature Serving: The flavors shine brightest when the bowl isn’t ice cold straight from the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Complete Your Bowl

Serve with warm pita bread on the side for scooping up all the delicious components. For an authentic experience, lightly brush the pitas with olive oil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Entertaining Idea

Create a DIY bowl bar with all components in separate dishes, allowing guests to build their own perfect Greek bowl.

Beverage Pairing

These bowls pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with cucumber and mint.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator:

Cooked chicken: 3-4 days
Cucumber-avocado mixture: 1-2 days (the lemon helps prevent browning)
Tzatziki: 3-4 days
Ginger tahini sauce: 5-7 days

Meal Prep Strategy

Prep all components on Sunday and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. Keep the lettuce and sauces separate until ready to eat.

Reheating Tips

Gently warm the chicken in a 325°F oven or microwave at 70% power just until heated through. Overheating will dry it out. The rest of the components are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! The marinade works beautifully for grilling. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. You’ll get amazing char marks and smoky flavor.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can create a dairy-free version by using coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt in both the marinade and tzatziki. For the tzatziki, simply combine coconut yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best way to prepare tzatziki from scratch?

Homemade tzatziki is simple! Grate one cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with 1½ cups Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh dill. Season with salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I substitute the tahini in the sauce?

If you don’t have tahini or prefer something different, try blending soaked cashews for a creamy base, or use Greek yogurt with the same seasonings for a tangy alternative. Each will create a different flavor profile but will still complement the bowl beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls bring together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in one satisfying meal. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the cooling contrast of tzatziki against the zingy ginger tahini, it’s a recipe that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or serving dinner to friends, these bowls are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try tonight and transport yourself to the sunny shores of Greece!