Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup mixed lettuce leaves - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped To get the best results, use fresh ingredients. Here’s how to measure them right: - For herbs and spices, use measuring spoons. - For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. - When measuring dry ingredients like quinoa, use a dry measuring cup. - Always be precise with your amounts for the best taste. - Fresh herbs should be packed lightly into the cup for accuracy. Now you have all you need to create your Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki! Each ingredient plays a role in flavor, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Enjoy the process of measuring and preparing. It makes a big difference! To make the chicken tasty, start by mixing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste Once mixed, add the chicken thighs. Make sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. For deep flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it soak for up to 2 hours. You can grill or cook the chicken on the stovetop. Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. When hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, slice the chicken into strips. Now, let’s whip up the tzatziki. In a separate bowl, combine: - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1/2 cucumber, grated and moisture squeezed out - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve. This lets the flavors blend well. Time to put it all together! In each serving bowl, start with a layer of cooked quinoa. Next, add a handful of mixed lettuce leaves. On top, place the sliced grilled chicken. Then, artfully arrange: - Halved cherry tomatoes - Diced cucumber - Thinly sliced red onion - Kalamata olives Make it colorful for a great look. Finally, spoon a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce over each bowl. Let it cascade a bit into the other ingredients for added flavor. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle some fresh dill for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To boost the flavors of your chicken gyro bowls, consider adding spices like cumin or coriander. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can also give a fresh taste. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the tzatziki. You can customize the dish by using different toppings. Try adding feta cheese or roasted red peppers for a twist. Grilling the chicken gives it a nice smoky flavor. If you prefer, you can bake it at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F inside. For cooking quinoa, rinse it first to remove bitterness. Use two parts water to one part quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. These chicken gyro bowls work well for lunch or dinner. Pair them with pita bread or a side salad for extra crunch. They are great for gatherings, quick meals, or meal prep. You can even set up a build-your-own bowl bar. This way, everyone can choose their favorite toppings and sauces. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use plant-based proteins. Tofu or tempeh works great. Marinate them just like the chicken. Use the same olive oil, garlic, and spices for flavor. Cook them on the grill or sauté in a pan until golden. This keeps the same taste and texture, making it a win for everyone. Get creative with your toppings! Try adding diced bell peppers or avocado for extra creaminess. Feta cheese can add a salty kick. You might also like pickled red onions for a tangy bite. For a spicy flair, drizzle some sriracha or harissa sauce. These toppings can change the whole flavor of your bowl. Want to spice things up? Use global flavors! Try adding cumin and coriander for a Middle Eastern twist. For a Mexican flavor, use taco spices with black beans. You can even add a splash of soy sauce and sesame seeds for an Asian flair. Mixing in these spices can bring a whole new vibe to your gyro bowls. To keep your chicken gyro bowls fresh, place them in airtight containers. Make sure the chicken and veggies stay separate from the quinoa to avoid sogginess. Store the tzatziki sauce in a smaller container. This method helps maintain the dish's flavor and texture. In the fridge, the chicken gyro bowls can last about 3-4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When reheating, make sure to heat the chicken and veggies safely. Use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the food to avoid hot spots. To keep your chicken juicy, add a splash of water before reheating. For the quinoa, use a bit of olive oil to help it regain its fluffy texture. Remember, it's best to reheat only what you plan to eat to keep leftovers fresh. A gyro is a popular Greek dish. It has meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is often wrapped in pita bread. It is served with fresh veggies and a creamy sauce. Common toppings include tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. Tzatziki is a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic. Gyros are flavorful and very satisfying. Yes, you can use other proteins for your gyro bowls. Beef and lamb are great alternatives. They add rich flavors that pair well with the toppings. If you prefer a plant-based option, tofu works nicely too. Just marinate it the same way as chicken. You can also try seitan for a meat-like texture. To make quinoa, start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes the bitter coating. Then, add the rinsed quinoa to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before adding it to your bowls. Yes, you can make tzatziki sauce in advance. It tastes even better after chilling. Combine the yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill in a bowl. Mix well and store in the fridge. It can last up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving. There are many great sides to serve with gyro bowls. Consider a Greek salad with feta and olives. You can also add pita bread or rice for extra carbs. A light lemony drink or iced tea pairs well too. If you want dessert, baklava is a sweet choice. Chicken gyro bowls are a fun and tasty meal. We covered main ingredients like chicken, quinoa, and tzatziki sauce. You learned how to prepare these bowls step by step, with helpful cooking tips and flavor ideas. Don't forget to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. This dish is flexible; feel free to try different proteins and toppings. Enjoy making your own gyro bowls that suit your taste!

Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki

Indulge in the deliciousness of Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki! This vibrant dish combines grilled marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and protein-packed quinoa topped with creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, these bowls are not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering meal at home!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup mixed lettuce leaves

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

For Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. For more intense flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

    Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear when pierced (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

      Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chopped dill. Stir the mixture until it's smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to intensify.

        Assemble the Bowls: In individual serving bowls, start by placing a base layer of cooked quinoa. Next, add a generous handful of mixed lettuce leaves. Top this layer with the sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives, arranging them artfully for a colorful presentation.

          Add Tzatziki: Spoon a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce over each bowl, letting it cascade slightly into the other ingredients for a delicious blend of flavors.

            Final Touch: Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle some additional fresh dill for garnish, if desired.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the bowls on rustic wooden boards or vibrant, colorful plates. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh dill to add a cheerful pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delightful meal!