Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl with Lemon Tzatziki Feta Recipe
This Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl with Lemon Tzatziki Feta is a vibrant and healthy meal featuring tender marinated chicken with Mediterranean spices, served over a bed of rice and fresh vegetables. The creamy lemon tzatziki feta sauce adds a tangy, rich flavor that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken. Ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this recipe combines bright, fresh ingredients with satisfying protein and wholesome carbs.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Lemon Oregano Chicken
- 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Tzatziki Feta Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt to taste
Bowl Components
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or lemon rice)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Kalamata olives (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into gyro-style strips.
- Prepare Lemon Tzatziki Feta Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated cucumber, dill, grated garlic, and salt. Mix until creamy but with some texture. Chill the sauce for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives if using.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon generous amounts of the lemon tzatziki feta sauce over each bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, opt for thighs over breasts.
- Marinate the chicken overnight to intensify the flavors.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer sauce.
- To keep the cucumber from watering down the sauce, grate and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
- Kalamata olives add a salty, briny element but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- The bowl can be served warm or at room temperature, making it good for meal prep and picnics.
- Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Greek chicken gyro bowl, lemon tzatziki feta, Mediterranean chicken bowl, healthy chicken gyro, grilled chicken bowl, Greek yogurt sauce, lemon oregano chicken