Quick & Zesty Homemade Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe

Succulent spices dance through tender chicken in this mouthwatering chicken gyro bowls recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table.

Layers of marinated meat blend perfectly with fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Weeknight meals never looked this delicious or felt this effortless.

Each bite transports you to the bustling streets of Greece with its bold, aromatic profile.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum taste, making this bowl a true culinary champion.

You’ll find yourself craving these gyro bowls again and again.

Prepare to savor every single delectable spoonful of this Mediterranean-inspired feast.

FAQs

• Is chicken gyro bowl a healthy meal?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, whole grains from rice, and fresh vegetables. The Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce adds probiotics and calcium while keeping the dish low in calories.

• Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, shrimp, or tofu to create your preferred protein version while maintaining the Mediterranean flavor profile.

• How spicy are these chicken gyro bowls?

These bowls are mild with warm, aromatic spices like oregano and cumin. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during preparation.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A standard skillet, pot, cutting board, and basic kitchen utensils are all you need to create these delicious gyro bowls.

Chicken Gyro Bowls Packed with Flavor

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Ingredients for Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Chicken Strips: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this delicious gyro bowl.
• Feta Cheese: A tangy Greek cheese that adds a creamy and salty element to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice: A combination that helps tenderize and add rich flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic, Oregano, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that create a classic Mediterranean flavor profile for the chicken.

• White Rice: A fluffy and neutral base that complements the bold chicken flavors.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Provides moisture and additional depth to the rice.

• Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: A classic blend that creates a cool and creamy sauce.
• Garlic, Dill, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the tzatziki's fresh and zesty character.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that add freshness and texture to the bowl.
• Olives: A traditional Mediterranean ingredient that brings a briny, salty note.

• Fresh Parsley or Dill, Lemon Wedges: Bright herbs and citrus that provide a final burst of freshness.

How to Make Chicken Gyro Bowls

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss chicken strips into the marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let it soak up those amazing flavors for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Craft Perfect Seasoned Rice

Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear. In a pot, warm olive oil over medium heat.

• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Stir rice for one minute to toast and release aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.

Simmer for 15 minutes, then let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Grated cucumber
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh dill
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until smooth and refrigerate to let flavors meld.

Step 4: Sizzle the Marinated Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Gyro Bowls

• Cooked chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Cucumber chunks
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Kalamata olives

Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.

Sprinkle fresh herbs and add lemon wedges. Dive in and savor every delicious bite!

Tips for Chicken Gyro Bowls Success

• Let chicken soak in the marinade overnight in the refrigerator to intensify taste and tenderize meat completely.
• Rinse rice thoroughly and add a tiny splash of oil to keep grains separated and fluffy during cooking.
• Squeeze grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring thick and creamy tzatziki sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious juices.
• Adjust tzatziki thickness by adding more yogurt or lemon juice, creating a personalized tangy dressing for your bowl.

Variations on Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Mediterranean Lamb Gyro Bowl: Replace chicken with seasoned ground lamb, maintaining the same marinade and cooking method for a rich, robust flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Greek Bowl: Swap chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or crispy falafel, keeping the rice, tzatziki, and vegetable components intact for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwestern Gyro Bowl: Substitute Greek seasonings with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, adding black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired transformation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower, sautéed with similar herbs and spices to maintain the original recipe's essence while reducing carbohydrate content.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp, light white wines like Greek Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the zesty chicken and tangy tzatziki sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.
• Mediterranean Beverage Match: Refreshing Greek ouzo or a chilled Mythos beer provide an authentic touch, balancing the herb-infused chicken and bringing a traditional Mediterranean drinking experience to the meal.
• Herb-Friendly Drink Choice: Sparkling water with fresh lemon or a light herbal iced tea can cleanse the palate, highlighting the oregano and dill notes in the dish without overwhelming the delicate chicken and rice.

Storage Tips for Chicken Gyro Bowls

• Store chicken gyro bowl components separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken, rice, tzatziki, and toppings in individual sealed containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze cooked chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Separate tzatziki sauce and fresh toppings, as they do not freeze well. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Sprinkle water over rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, reheat rice in a skillet with a splash of water, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through these chicken gyro bowls, offering a delightful culinary journey from Greece to your dinner table. Marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki blend perfectly, delivering a fresh and satisfying meal you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic chicken marinade by whisking together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
2. Submerge chicken strips completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated, and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes at room temperature to absorb maximum flavor.
3. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch.
4. Warm olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then introduce rice, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Toast ingredients for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously.
5. Pour chicken broth, bring mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs completely.
6. Remove rice from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork to separate grains.
7. Create tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
8. Preheat skillet to medium-high temperature, approximately 375°F. Cook marinated chicken strips 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Construct bowls by distributing rice as a base, then layer with seared chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber chunks, crumbled feta, and kalamata olives.
10. Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over assembled bowls, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and vibrant.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly marinated to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Drain grated cucumber for tzatziki to prevent watery sauce and maintain thick, creamy consistency.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean taste and enhanced richness.
• Customize bowl with protein alternatives like grilled tofu or lamb for dietary preferences or variety.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 375 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg