If you’re craving something healthy yet satisfying, Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are the perfect answer. Packed with vibrant flavors, juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish offers all the beloved tastes of a traditional gyro—just served in a fresh, deconstructed way. I tried this recipe with a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil, and it took the flavor to another level, adding brightness to every bite. These bowls are not only easy to assemble but also perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking for a nutritious yet indulgent meal, these gyro bowls are sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly versatile. They deliver everything you love about a classic gyro but in a lighter, bowl-friendly form. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or couscous, crisp veggies, and tangy tzatziki. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean freshness—from the hint of garlic in the chicken to the cool creaminess of the yogurt sauce. Plus, this recipe is quick to make, easy to customize, and naturally high in protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches.
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Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls – A Fresh and Flavorful Mediterranean Feast
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are a healthy, flavorful meal featuring marinated grilled chicken, fluffy rice or quinoa, crisp vegetables, tangy tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta cheese. It’s a deconstructed gyro served in a bowl — perfect for meal prep or a fresh weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add chicken to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
- Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Assemble bowls with a base of rice or quinoa.
- Top each bowl with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill the chicken on an outdoor grill for a smoky touch.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Make it vegan by substituting chickpeas for chicken and using dairy-free tzatziki.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for marinating and grilling. They absorb the Mediterranean spices beautifully, turning out juicy and flavorful.
Greek Yogurt: Forms the base of both the marinade and tzatziki sauce. It helps tenderize the chicken and gives the sauce its creamy texture.
Olive Oil: Essential for flavor and moisture. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses bold, aromatic flavor into both the marinade and the sauce.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tang that perfectly complements the spices and yogurt.
Dried Oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds earthiness and depth to the chicken marinade.
Cucumber: Freshly grated cucumber gives tzatziki its refreshing crunch and cooling effect.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a crisp, sharp contrast that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes bring a pop of color and freshness to each bite.
Rice or Couscous: Serves as the base for the bowl. Both options work beautifully, depending on your preference.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy finish that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste and balance the acidity.
Fresh Dill or Parsley: Optional but highly recommended for garnish and a burst of herby freshness.
Directions
Start by preparing the chicken marinade. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook your choice of base—either rice, quinoa, or couscous—according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
To assemble the bowls, add a serving of rice or couscous at the bottom. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and a splash of olive oil. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Perfect for 4 people as a hearty lunch or dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce in a separate container to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble fresh bowls. The ingredients also make great meal prep lunches—just pack them in separate compartments and combine before eating.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle with spicy harissa sauce for heat.
Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki.
Grain-Free Bowl: Skip grains entirely and serve over a bed of chopped romaine or spinach.
Roasted Veggie Boost: Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Pita Chip Crunch: Top with baked pita chips for a satisfying crunch.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh mint and basil for a more aromatic twist.
Avocado Upgrade: Add sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Mediterranean Hummus Base: Spread a layer of hummus beneath the rice for added creaminess.
Double Protein Power: Combine grilled chicken and shrimp for a Mediterranean surf-and-turf bowl.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even juicier after grilling.
2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Absolutely, but homemade tzatziki always gives a fresher taste.
3. Can I meal prep these bowls?
Yes, they’re perfect for meal prep. Just store components separately.
4. What can I use instead of rice?
Quinoa, couscous, or bulgur are great alternatives.
5. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours gives the best flavor.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
7. What toppings go best with gyro bowls?
Feta, olives, red onion, cucumber, and tzatziki are traditional favorites.
8. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for the tzatziki and skip the feta.
9. Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Yes, outdoor grilling adds smoky flavor and works beautifully.
10. What’s the best sauce besides tzatziki?
Try hummus, tahini sauce, or garlic yogurt sauce for variety.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls offer the perfect harmony of freshness, flavor, and nutrition. The juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki come together for a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to healthy lunches. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s an instant favorite for anyone who loves bold, refreshing flavors and effortless cooking.