Greek Grilled Chicken Gyro Bowl with Creamy Garlic Feta Recipe
A vibrant and satisfying Greek Grilled Chicken Gyro Bowl featuring marinated grilled chicken thighs served over a lemony rice base, fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and drizzled with a creamy, tangy garlic feta sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- 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
- Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Greek Grilled Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
For the Creamy Garlic Feta
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 clove roasted garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin for pouring)
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- Optional: shredded lettuce or arugula
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and plain Greek yogurt. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Feta: In a blender or food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, full-fat Greek yogurt, roasted garlic clove, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Rice Base: In a bowl, toss cooked basmati or jasmine rice with olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped parsley to infuse a bright, fresh flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice mixture among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced kalamata olives. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic feta sauce. Optionally, add shredded lettuce or arugula for extra greens. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust water quantity in the garlic feta sauce to get your desired consistency.
- Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Roasting garlic beforehand mellows its pungency and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken gyro bowl, grilled chicken, creamy garlic feta sauce, Mediterranean bowl, healthy chicken bowl, Greek yogurt marinade