Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! These chicken cubes work beautifully on skewers for grilling. Thread them after marinating and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. You'll get amazing smoky flavor this way.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the Greek yogurt in the marinade with coconut yogurt or a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your tzatziki is dairy-free (there are several almond or coconut-based versions available).

What can I substitute for tahini if I don't have it?

Unsweetened almond or cashew butter makes a good substitute. The flavor will be different but still delicious. Adjust the consistency with water as needed, and you might want to add a bit more lemon juice for tanginess.

My chicken seems dry after baking - what went wrong?

This usually happens from overcooking or cutting the pieces too small. Aim for chicken cubes that are about 1-inch in size, and check for doneness earlier rather than later. The yogurt marinade helps protect against dryness, but chicken breast in particular can quickly go from perfect to overdone.

Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe

Name: Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed; 6 garlic cloves, chopped; 2 shallots, chopped; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano; Chili flakes, Kosher salt, and black pepper; 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped; 1 avocado, diced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese; 1-2 cups Tzatziki sauce; Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas, for serving; 1/2 cup tahini; 2 teaspoons grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, grated; 2 teaspoons tamari; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 teaspoons honey

This Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowl is a Mediterranean masterpiece that brings together succulent marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and zesty ginger tahini sauce in one vibrant, nutritious bowl. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, these bowls deliver a complete meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
Incredible Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, oregano, and smoky paprika in the chicken marinade alongside the cooling tzatziki and zingy ginger tahini creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Versatile and Customizable: Build your bowl exactly how you like it! Add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or create a deconstructed version for picky eaters.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepared in advance, making dinner assembly lightning-fast on busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Yogurt: Creates a tenderizing marinade for the chicken and adds tangy creaminess. Full-fat yogurt produces the best results, but you can use low-fat in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Helps carry flavors in the marinade and adds richness. Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs will give you juicier results, while breasts are leaner.
Garlic and Shallots: These aromatics create the foundation of flavor in the marinade. Don’t skimp here!
Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and subtle smokiness that elevates the chicken.
Fresh Oregano: Brings authentic Greek flavor to the dish. If you only have dried, use one-third the amount.
Chili Flakes: Adds a gentle heat that balances the cooling elements in the bowl.
Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are perfect here—they’re crisp, not watery, and have thin skins.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats that complement the other Mediterranean ingredients.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything and prevents the avocado from browning.
Fresh Dill: Adds distinctive flavor that’s essential in Greek cuisine.
Feta Cheese: Provides tangy saltiness and creamy texture. Try to find sheep’s milk feta for authenticity.
Tzatziki Sauce: This cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce brings everything together.
Toppings: Lettuce, peperoncini, onion, tomatoes, and pitas create a complete meal experience.
Tahini: The base for the ginger-tahini sauce, providing nutty richness.
Ginger: Adds an unexpected but delightful zing to the tahini sauce.
Tamari: Contributes umami depth that balances the tahini’s richness.
Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to round out the tahini sauce flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or halloumi cheese. Season the chickpeas with the same spice blend and roast until crispy.

Grain Bowl

Add a base of cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a heartier meal with more complex carbohydrates.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower rice instead of with pitas, and add extra avocado for satisfying healthy fats.

Spice It Up

Add a minced jalapeño to the chicken marinade or include harissa in the tahini sauce for heat lovers.

How to Make Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, chicken cubes, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 15 minutes, or prepare ahead and marinate overnight for an even more flavorful result.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Spread the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Give everything a good toss, then bake for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. For that restaurant-quality finish, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to create deliciously charred edges.

Step 3: Make the Cucumber-Avocado Salad

While the chicken cooks, toss together the chopped cucumbers, diced avocado, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper for a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Ginger Tahini Sauce

Combine tahini, grated ginger, garlic, tamari, lemon juice, honey, and water in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. This sauce adds a unique dimension that elevates the entire bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Start with a base of lettuce, then arrange the roasted chicken, cucumber-avocado salad, and crumbled feta. Add your preferred toppings like tomatoes, onions, and peperoncini. Finish with generous dollops of tzatziki and drizzles of the ginger tahini sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Take the marinating chicken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking for more even baking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough baking sheet so the chicken pieces aren’t touching. This ensures they roast rather than steam.
Taste and Adjust: Both the tahini sauce and cucumber salad benefit from a final taste and seasoning adjustment before serving.
Quality Matters: This is a simple dish where ingredients shine, so use the best quality feta, olive oil, and fresh herbs you can find.

How to Serve

Complete Greek Experience

Serve with warm pita bread on the side for scooping or wrapping. A cold Greek beer or glass of crisp white wine makes this a perfect casual dinner party meal.

Family Style

Present all components separately in serving bowls and let everyone build their own creation. This works especially well for mixed groups with varying preferences.

Meal Prep

Divide components into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Keep the tzatziki, tahini sauce, and any fresh elements separate until ready to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken, cucumber-avocado mix, and sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for 3-4 days, the cucumber mix for 1-2 days, and the sauces for up to 5 days.

Freezing

The marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe. The tahini sauce can also be frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Reheating

Warm the chicken in a 325°F oven just until heated through, about 10 minutes, to prevent drying out. The bowls can also be enjoyed with cold chicken for a refreshing summer meal.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! These chicken cubes work beautifully on skewers for grilling. Thread them after marinating and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. You’ll get amazing smoky flavor this way.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the Greek yogurt in the marinade with coconut yogurt or a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. Skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your tzatziki is dairy-free (there are several almond or coconut-based versions available).
What can I substitute for tahini if I don’t have it?

Unsweetened almond or cashew butter makes a good substitute. The flavor will be different but still delicious. Adjust the consistency with water as needed, and you might want to add a bit more lemon juice for tanginess.
My chicken seems dry after baking – what went wrong?

This usually happens from overcooking or cutting the pieces too small. Aim for chicken cubes that are about 1-inch in size, and check for doneness earlier rather than later. The yogurt marinade helps protect against dryness, but chicken breast in particular can quickly go from perfect to overdone.

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of tender, spiced chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces creates a meal that feels like a restaurant experience but is actually simple enough for any weeknight. Whether you’re meal prepping for lunches or hosting friends for a casual dinner, these versatile bowls are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!