Name: Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 2 cups halved grape tomatoes; 2 cups diced cucumber; 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 1 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

I absolutely love how this Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right into my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels fresh and wholesome, yet indulgent enough to satisfy any craving. Tender marinated chicken, fluffy grains, crisp veggies, and that creamy, herby tzatziki make every bite an absolute joy. Whether I’m prepping for the week or entertaining guests, this bowl never fails to impress and brighten my table.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe

What really gets me every time about this recipe is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The tang of lemon and oregano in the chicken marinade complements the cool, refreshing tzatziki so well. Plus, the juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumber add such a fresh dimension that makes this bowl feel lively and satisfying. I find it’s like tasting a little bit of sunshine on a plate.

Another thing I appreciate is how simple and straightforward the preparation is. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps to pull it off, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. It’s also versatile enough to suit so many occasions — family dinners, weekend lunches, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Honestly, it’s a dish I love sharing because it always stands out with its vibrant colors and bold, layered flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are eight containers arranged on a white marbled surface. Five white bowls with blue rims hold fresh chopped vegetables: bright red tomato wedges, light green sliced cucumbers, light green chopped avocado pieces, bright red chopped bell peppers, and thin slices of purple and white onion. A clear glass bowl contains a white creamy sauce with green herbs mixed in. Another clear glass bowl holds dark brown and black sliced olives. A silver measuring cup is filled with crumbly white cheese. To the left, there are several white tortilla triangles and lemon wedges fanned out beside them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe are refreshingly simple but each one plays a crucial role in building those iconic Mediterranean flavors. From the fragrant herbs in the marinade to the creamy tzatziki, everything works together to create a bowl that’s bursting with freshness, texture, and color.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Chicken breasts: Small, uniform pieces ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness.
Olive oil: Adds a luscious texture and brings those classic Mediterranean notes.
Lemon juice: Provides a refreshing citrus zing that brightens the entire bowl.
Cooked rice or quinoa: I love quinoa for extra protein, but rice is wonderfully comforting and fluffy.
Grape tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness with every bite.
Cucumber: Adds crispness and pairs perfectly with creamy tzatziki.
Shredded romaine lettuce: A crunchy, fresh base that balances the heartier ingredients.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
Feta cheese: Crumbled to inject a salty tang and creamy richness.
Tzatziki sauce: Homemade with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill for an authentic, cool finish.

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a touch of honey to balance the flavors. This marinade is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious marinade. Then, toss the chicken into the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes; I often let mine chill a little longer for extra flavor penetration.

Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare your tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh dill. Give it a good stir and set it aside in the fridge to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook your rice or quinoa according to package instructions. I love fluffy quinoa here for its nutty texture, but the rice is just as good if you prefer it.

Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the marinated chicken inside and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer requires it. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and looks beautifully golden.

Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then slice it into strips. Now, assemble your bowl with a hearty scoop of rice or quinoa, a generous handful of romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, red onion slices, and top it all with sliced chicken and a dollop of that creamy tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle feta on top and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for families or meal prepping lunches. Prep time usually takes about 15 minutes, while marinating the chicken requires at least 30 minutes. Cooking time in the air fryer is approximately 10 minutes, bringing the total active and inactive time to around 50 minutes. It’s a fantastic recipe that balances prepping with waiting, so you can relax while the flavors develop.

How to Serve This Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe

A white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of light beige quinoa, topped with dark green spinach pieces, followed by browned chunks of cooked chicken scattered around. Bright red cherry tomato halves and green diced cucumbers add color on top, along with white crumbled feta cheese. A pile of creamy white tzatziki sauce with visible green herbs is placed near the center, along with two white pita triangles tucked into the bowl’s edge. To the top right, a white plate with round pita triangles arranged in a circle surrounds a small bowl of the same creamy tzatziki sauce. To the left, a separate white bowl contains bright green chopped cucumber pieces sprinkled with herbs. All dishes are placed on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these bowls, I love presenting them colorful and inviting. A shallow bowl works best to showcase all the components – the vibrant red tomatoes, verdant cucumber, and crisp lettuce act as the perfect backdrop for the golden chicken and creamy tzatziki. Adding a sprinkle of extra feta and a few fresh dill sprigs as garnishes really elevates the presentation.

For sides, I often pair these bowls with warm pita bread or crispy pita chips—they’re fantastic for scooping up extra tzatziki. A fresh Greek salad or a simple chickpea salad on the side complements the meal perfectly, keeping everything light and refreshing. As for beverages, a chilled glass of white wine like Assyrtiko or a summery sparkling water with lemon fits right in, but I’ve also enjoyed serving it alongside a crisp rosé for dinner parties.

This meal is wonderfully versatile, so I serve it warm or at room temperature depending on the occasion. For casual weeknight dinners, I like everything warm and comforting, but for outdoor gatherings or picnics, I prepare the components chilled and assemble the bowls just before eating. No matter how you serve it, the fresh flavors and balance of textures always shine through.

Variations

I really adore customizing this Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in. If you prefer a lighter version, swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or marinated tofu works wonderfully. For an extra nutrient boost, I sometimes use cauliflower rice instead of grains to keep it low-carb without sacrificing flavor.

Dietary-wise, this recipe easily adapts for gluten-free diets if you opt for gluten-free grains and ensure the marinade ingredients are compliant. For a vegan twist, replacing the yogurt tzatziki with a coconut yogurt or cashew-based sauce infused with cucumber and herbs can be amazing. I encourage experimenting with different herbs too—sometimes adding mint or parsley to the tzatziki brings a whole new freshness.

If you don’t have an air fryer, grilling the chicken over medium-high heat works equally well, infusing the chicken with smoky char that adds depth. Alternatively, pan-searing with a little olive oil and finishing in the oven is an easy stovetop method that yields juicy results. These variations keep the recipe exciting while staying true to those classic Greek flavors I love.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe store beautifully. I recommend using airtight containers to keep everything fresh — separate the chicken, tzatziki, and vegetables if possible to prevent sogginess. Stored in the fridge, the components will easily last up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch option.

Freezing

While the marinated chicken can be frozen successfully, I prefer freezing it before adding the fresh vegetables and tzatziki because those don’t freeze well. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover chicken is on the stove or in the oven at a moderate temperature to avoid drying it out. I gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over low heat to keep it tender. Avoid microwaving the tzatziki as it will lose its creaminess—just add the sauce fresh when serving. Reheat the grains separately, and then reassemble for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making tzatziki a few hours or even a day in advance lets the flavors mellow and blend wonderfully. Just be sure to strain any excess moisture from the cucumber before mixing to keep the sauce thick and creamy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, grilling or pan-searing the chicken works perfectly fine. Grilling adds a lovely smoky char, while pan-searing followed by oven finishing keeps the chicken juicy. Just monitor the cooking carefully to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Is quinoa better than rice for this recipe?

Quinoa is a great choice if you want a protein-packed, slightly nuttier texture, but rice is a classic and comforting base that pairs beautifully as well. It really depends on your preference and dietary needs—both work wonderfully in these bowls.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas, and replace the Greek yogurt tzatziki with a dairy-free version using coconut or cashew yogurt. This way, you keep all the fresh, vibrant flavors while meeting vegan or vegetarian dietary requirements.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and marinating it well are key for juiciness. Also, letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing helps retain its moisture. Cooking it just until it reaches 165°F ensures it stays tender without drying out.

Conclusion

Trust me, once you make this Greek Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation like it has in mine. The fresh flavors, fantastic textures, and easy prep make it a joy to cook and eat any day of the week. Whether feeding family or guests, it’s a vibrant, wholesome dish that always makes me feel connected to the warmth and joy of Mediterranean cooking. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!