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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove rice from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- Create tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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