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Flavorful Greek Chicken Bowls with Easy Homemade Tzatziki Recipe

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A quick and easy Greek chicken bowl recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, creamy homemade tzatziki, and tangy quick pickled onions, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or extra dill for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare the Quick Pickled Onions: Thinly slice the red onion and place in a jar or bowl. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Heat just until sugar and salt dissolve, then pour the hot liquid over the onions. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. These will be ready to eat after 30 minutes but taste even better after a few hours.
  3. Make the Tzatziki: Peel and grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and a handful of pickled onions. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for good flavor; longer up to 4 hours is better. Squeeze excess water from grated cucumber to avoid watery tzatziki. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Pickled onions taste better after a few hours or overnight. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and omit or replace feta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken bowls, homemade tzatziki, pickled onions, quick chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken bowl, healthy chicken dinner