Chicken Gyro Bowls

Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean adventure with these Chicken Gyro Bowls! Packed with tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy rice, this bowl is a healthier, customizable twist on the classic Greek street food favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunch meal prep, or satisfying cravings without the pita.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mediterranean Flavor Explosion – Herby chicken, tangy yogurt, and fresh toppings in every bite.
Healthy & Balanced – Protein, veggies, and whole grains come together perfectly.
Great for Meal Prep – Prep components ahead and build bowls all week.
Customizable – Use your favorite grains, greens, and garnishes.
Family-Friendly – Set up a build-your-own gyro bowl bar at dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or lemon rice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup kalamata olives (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet or grill pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater or food processor for cucumber
• Serving bowls or containers for meal prep

Step-by-Step 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, tossing to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper.
Stir until creamy and chill until ready to serve.

Step 4: Build the Bowls
Divide rice into serving bowls.
Top each with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta, and olives.
Spoon tzatziki over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

Tips for the Best Chicken Gyro Bowls
Use Chicken Thighs – They’re juicier and more flavorful.
Drain the Cucumber – Squeeze out moisture to avoid watery tzatziki.
Let Chicken Rest – This locks in juices and makes slicing easier.
Add More Veggies – Roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or spinach make great add-ins.
Serve Warm or Cold – Great hot off the grill or chilled for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
With Pita – Serve a warm pita on the side or cut into wedges for dipping.
Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
Add Hummus – Another creamy component that pairs perfectly.
Top with Hot Sauce – For an extra layer of flavor and spice.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store cooked chicken, tzatziki, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Microwave chicken and rice until warm.
Add cold toppings and tzatziki after reheating.

Meal Prep Tip:
Assemble bowls without tzatziki or tomatoes (they can get watery).
Store tzatziki separately and add just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds even more flavor—cook over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki and skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

3. What’s the best rice to use?
Try lemon rice, brown rice, or even couscous or quinoa.

4. Is this gluten-free?
Yes—as long as your toppings and sauces are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes! Freeze slices in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts
These Chicken Gyro Bowls are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy Mediterranean-style cooking at home. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this bowl brings together everything you love about a gyro—minus the mess. Clean, colorful, and full of flavor!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 440 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

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