IRRESISTIBLE GREEK CHICKEN GYRO BOWLS

Crave that authentic Greek flavor without the hassle of a full-blown gyro? Imagine tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy tzatziki all nestled in a bowl of fluffy rice or crisp lettuce – that’s exactly what you get with these Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls! I promise, this recipe is so easy and delicious, it’ll become a weeknight staple.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

• Cooked rice or chopped lettuce (for a Gyro Salad Recipe)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Pita bread, warmed (optional)

Let’s Talk Chicken: Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Okay, let’s get real for a second. The key to truly outstanding Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls is all in the marinade. Sure, you could just toss the chicken with some spices and call it a day, but taking a few extra minutes to let those flavors meld together makes a world of difference. I usually recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but if you can swing it, a couple of hours (or even overnight!) is even better. The lemon juice not only adds that bright, zesty flavor we all love, but it also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in the most succulent, flavorful bites imaginable.

And speaking of chicken, I prefer using chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay incredibly moist and juicy, even when cooked at a higher temperature. But if you’re a chicken breast person, that’s totally fine too! Just be sure not to overcook them. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep them from drying out. These bowls are a great way to enjoy Hearty Mediterranean Meals any night of the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prepare the Tzatziki

1. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out the excess water!), minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial!

Marinate and Cook the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing.

Assemble Your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

1. In individual bowls, layer cooked rice or chopped lettuce.
2. Top with the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
3. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
4. Sprinkle with feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately with warmed pita bread, if desired.

Tzatziki Tips: Avoiding the Soggy Sauce

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: soggy tzatziki. Nobody wants that! The secret to a thick and creamy sauce is all about removing excess moisture from the cucumber. After grating the cucumber, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Seriously, you’ll be surprised how much water comes out! This step will prevent your tzatziki from becoming watery and ensure that it coats all the delicious ingredients in your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. Not a fan of red onion? Swap it out for some chopped green onions. Want to add a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade will do the trick. You can even add some grilled bell peppers or eggplant for extra veggies.

For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice. And if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu. Trust me, these Protein Bowls With Chicken are super versatile!

And if you’re in the mood for a different kind of Mediterranean delight, you might enjoy this Chicken Kofta Recipe. Or for a lighter meal, try these Mediterranean Chicken Tenders. They’re both bursting with flavor!

Making it a Meal Prep Masterpiece

These Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are absolutely perfect for meal prepping! Simply prepare all the components in advance and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble your bowls and enjoy. This is a fantastic way to have a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner ready to go during a busy week. The tzatziki sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the cooked chicken will last for about the same amount of time.

For an alternative that still brings the delicious Mediterranean flavors, consider this Mediterranean Chicken Gyros. It’s equally satisfying and easy to prepare!

Gyro Salad Recipe: Deconstructed Deliciousness

Craving something lighter? Transform these Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls into a vibrant Gyro Salad Recipe! Simply swap the rice for a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or mixed greens. You can even add some extra veggies like shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers for added crunch and nutrients. The beauty of a Gyro Salad Recipe is that you get all the same amazing flavors as the bowls, but in a lighter, more refreshing package.

Gyro Rice Bowl: A Classic Combination

Of course, sometimes you just can’t beat the classic Gyro Rice Bowl. The fluffy rice provides a perfect base for all the flavorful ingredients, and it’s a great way to make the meal even more filling and satisfying. I usually use basmati rice for my Gyro Rice Bowl, but you can use any type of rice you prefer. Brown rice is a great option for added fiber, and quinoa is another healthy and delicious alternative. This dish is perfect for enjoying as one of your regular Hearty Mediterranean Meals.

If you’re looking for another quick and easy chicken recipe, you might also like this Greek Chicken Bowls recipe. It’s similar to this one, but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to Greek Goodness

There you have it – my ultimate recipe for Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls! I truly believe this is one of those recipes that everyone should have in their repertoire. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily adapt it to suit your own tastes and preferences. So go ahead, give it a try. I know you’re going to love it!

Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls offer authentic Greek flavors with tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy tzatziki served over rice or lettuce. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, customizable to your preferences.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowls
• Whisk
• Large skillet or grill pan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Airtight containers (for meal prep)

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat or low-fat
• ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• ¼ teaspoon salt for tzatziki
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper for tzatziki
• Cooked rice or chopped lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Feta cheese, crumbled optional
• Pita bread, warmed optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
• Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing.
• Assemble the Bowls: In individual bowls, layer cooked rice or chopped lettuce.
• Top with the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
• Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
• Sprinkle with feta cheese (if using).
• Serve immediately with warmed pita bread, if desired.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Squeeze excess moisture from the cucumber for a thicker tzatziki. The tzatziki sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the cooked chicken will last for about the same amount of time. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For vegetarians, substitute chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat. Consider adding bell peppers or eggplant.