Tasty Chicken Gyro Bowls

Featured in: Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights

Chicken Gyro Bowls turn the classic Greek gyro into a vibrant and filling bowl meal. The yogurt-marinated chicken is seared to golden perfection and served atop brown rice. Topped with a mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives, it bursts with Mediterranean goodness. Homemade tzatziki sauce brings a refreshing, creamy touch. It’s perfect for quick meals or meal prep, taking just 30 minutes to whip up, and you can customize the toppings to your liking. Packed with lean protein, healthy grains, and veggies, it’s a balanced dish that satisfies.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:03:17 GMT
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Experience a delightful Mediterranean feast with these vibrant chicken gyro bowls. Juicy marinated chicken, garden-fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce come together to create a wholesome meal that captures authentic Greek flavors in every bite. This deconstructed version of the classic street food favorite offers all the traditional tastes in an easy-to-assemble bowl format.

This recipe consistently receives praise for its authentic Mediterranean flavors and satisfying combination of warm seasoned chicken against cool, crisp vegetables. The homemade tzatziki sauce ties everything together with its creamy, herbed freshness.

Key Ingredients

  • Greek Yogurt: Full-fat variety provides richness for marinade and tzatziki
  • Fresh Lemons: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken
  • Fresh Garlic: Delivers essential aromatic flavor
  • Mediterranean Oregano: Provides classic Greek seasoning
  • English Cucumber: Offers refreshing crunch
  • Vine-Ripened Tomatoes: Adds natural sweetness
  • Red Onion: Provides sharp, fresh bite
  • Greek Feta: Contributes authentic salty finish

Preparation Method

Prepare Marinade:
Combine yogurt, lemon, garlic and herbs for chicken
Cook Chicken:
Grill or pan-sear until golden and cooked through
Make Tzatziki:
Mix strained yogurt with cucumber and seasonings
Arrange Bowls:
Layer rice, sliced chicken and fresh vegetables
Finish:
Top with tzatziki, feta and extra virgin olive oil
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Traditional Greek cooking relies heavily on full-fat yogurt for both marinades and sauces. This time-tested technique produces exceptionally tender meat while developing rich, complex flavors throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Complete the meal with warm, toasted pita bread, lemon-herb roasted potatoes, or a traditional Greek village salad. For a lighter option, serve over fresh greens or cauliflower rice.

Recipe Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe by using lamb or shrimp instead of chicken, substituting quinoa for rice, or creating a vegetarian version with grilled mushrooms. Mediterranean additions like roasted peppers or marinated artichokes offer delicious variety.

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Extended marination develops deeper flavors - while 30 minutes works, overnight produces exceptional results. This recipe represents the perfect fusion of traditional Greek flavors with modern, health-conscious cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this dish be prepped ahead for the week?
Absolutely! Store the chicken, veggies, rice, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Add the sauce right before eating for freshness. It’ll last up to three days.
→ Are there replacements for brown rice?
Sure! You can swap it with quinoa, couscous, bulgur, or even lettuce for a low-carb choice. Cauliflower rice also works well.
→ How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
The ideal time is about 30 minutes, but for stronger flavors, you can leave it for up to 4 hours. Don’t go over that, though, as the yogurt can break the chicken down too much.
→ What can I use for dairy-free tzatziki sauce?
Coconut yogurt or dairy-free plain yogurt makes a great substitute. It’ll have a slightly different consistency, but the taste is still delicious!
→ Can the chicken be grilled instead of fried?
Of course! Grill the marinated chicken on medium-high for about 4–5 minutes per side. It adds a smoky depth to the flavor.

Tasty Chicken Gyro Bowls

Chicken Gyro Bowls combine seasoned chicken, colorful fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki served over brown rice for a wholesome meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Weeknight Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 A little over a pound (1 1/4 lbs) of chicken breasts without skin or bones, diced into small chunks
02 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, either low-fat or full-fat
03 Two cloves of garlic, grated finely
04 Two tablespoons of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
05 A tablespoon of olive oil
06 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried oregano
07 1/2 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, ground cumin, and ground coriander
08 A pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper to your taste
09 Two tablespoons of parsley, chopped flat-leaf preferred

→ Tzatziki Sauce

10 A single cup of cucumber that’s been grated or diced finely
11 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt, your choice between low or full-fat
12 Two tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 A tablespoon of dill, fresh and chopped
14 Half a teaspoon of finely grated garlic
15 Salt and a little freshly ground black pepper to adjust the flavor

→ Bowl Assembly

16 One cup of diced cucumber
17 A full cup of cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
18 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped up
19 1/3 cup of Kalamata olives
20 A couple of cups (2) of cooked brown rice
21 Around half a cup of crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Stir all the ingredients for the chicken marinade together in a mixing bowl. Add in the cubed chicken pieces and let everything sit for half an hour so the flavors soak in.

Step 02

While the chicken is marinating, mix all the tzatziki sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper as needed, then pop it in the fridge until serving time.

Step 03

Pour enough olive oil into a big skillet to coat the bottom and heat over medium-high. Arrange the marinated chicken so the pieces don’t overlap and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip the pieces and cook them for 4-5 more minutes to make sure they’re done.

Step 04

Spoon rice into each bowl. Layer it with chicken, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Top everything off with a healthy dollop of the prepared tzatziki sauce.

Notes

  1. This recipe turns a favorite Greek gyro into an easy, healthy meal in a bowl.
  2. Feel free to add up to 1 teaspoon of garlic in the tzatziki if you like stronger garlic flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet
  • Bowls for mixing
  • A grater for the garlic and cucumber

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from the feta and yogurt

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 553
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 62 g