Chicken Gyro Bowls bring all the flavors of a classic Greek gyro into a healthy, easy-to-make bowl! Juicy, marinated chicken is served over a bed of fluffy rice or lettuce, with fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread. This meal is perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or when you’re craving Mediterranean flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make and packed with fresh, bold flavors.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Great for meal prep—make ahead and enjoy all week!
- Healthy, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free (without pita).
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
For the Bowls:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) or chopped romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, sliced
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Warm pita bread (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Grill Method: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In serving bowls, layer rice or lettuce as the base. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki and serve with pita bread.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-50 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use a lettuce base instead of rice and skip the pita.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or chickpeas.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt in the marinade and tzatziki.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store chicken, toppings, and tzatziki separately for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just season it with Greek spices and serve.
2. What’s the best way to get juicy chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, and don’t overcook.
3. Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
4. What kind of rice works best?
Basmati, jasmine, or brown rice all work well.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
6. What can I use instead of tzatziki?
Try hummus or tahini sauce for a different flavor.
7. Are gyro bowls gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you skip the pita bread.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt in the marinade and tzatziki.
9. How do I keep cucumbers from making tzatziki watery?
Squeeze out excess moisture after grating them.
10. Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
These Chicken Gyro Bowls are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors at home. Packed with juicy marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Try it today and bring a taste of Greece to your table!
PrintChicken Gyro Bowls
These Chicken Gyro Bowls are a fresh, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Greek gyro in a bowl! Juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce come together for an easy, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Bowl
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or quinoa)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide rice and romaine lettuce between serving bowls.
- Top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Meal Prep: Store components separately and assemble fresh for best results.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or extra greens.
- Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of za’atar or sumac before serving.