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Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

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By Erin Wallace • January 25th, 2026
A vibrant bowl of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki features tender sliced chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables like tomatoes and olives. Save
A vibrant bowl of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki features tender sliced chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables like tomatoes and olives. | simplestatekitchen.com

These vibrant Greek-inspired bowls feature tender marinated chicken thighs seasoned with oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. The chicken is grilled to golden perfection and served over fluffy basmati rice alongside crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese.

The star of the dish is the creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, and garlic. Everything comes together in just 45 minutes for a satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Perfect for meal prep and easily customizable with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or outdoor grilling for extra smokiness.

The first time I made these bowls, my kitchen smelled like a seaside taverna in Santorini. My roommate kept wandering in, asking if dinner was ready yet, drawn by the lemon and garlic wafting through the apartment. Now it is the dinner I make when I need sunshine on a gray Tuesday.

Last summer I served these at a rooftop dinner with friends. We ate with the sun setting, someone pouring Assyrtiko, and everyone went quiet after the first bite. The tzatziki recipe alone has become my most requested secret.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: Stay juicier than breasts through high-heat cooking
  • Olive oil: Use the good stuff, it carries all the Mediterranean flavors
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference here
  • Dried oregano: The dried version actually has more concentrated flavor than fresh
  • Greek yogurt: Full-fat gives tzatziki its luxurious creaminess
  • English cucumber: Fewer seeds, better texture for the sauce
  • Fresh dill: Do not skip this, it is the soul of the dish
  • Kalamata olives: Their brininess cuts through the rich yogurt
  • Feta cheese: Get the block and crumble it yourself for better texture

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have the time.
Make the tzatziki:
Grate your cucumber and squeeze it dry between paper towels. Stir into Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pop it in the fridge to let flavors meld.
Cook the chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet until hot and cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Assemble the bowls:
Divide rice among four bowls. Arrange chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta on top.
Finish and serve:
Drizzle generously with tzatziki, scatter fresh herbs, and add lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.
Hearty Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki are plated with juicy chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce. Save
Hearty Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki are plated with juicy chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a generous drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce. | simplestatekitchen.com

My daughter now requests this for her birthday dinner every year. Something about building your own perfect bite makes people happy at the table.

Making It Ahead

The tzatziki actually improves after a day in the fridge. I often double the sauce and use the extra throughout the week. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.

Perfect Rice Every Time

Rinse your basmati until the water runs clear for fluffy, separate grains. A pinch of salt in the cooking water makes all the difference. Let it steam covered for 10 minutes off the heat before fluffing.

Serving Ideas

Warm pita bread on the side never hurts. I like to set out small bowls of extra olives and pickled peppers too. Let everyone customize their own perfect bowl.

  • Grill the vegetables alongside the chicken
  • Try cauliflower rice for a lighter version
  • Keep extra tzatziki for sandwiches the next day
Freshly prepared Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki showcase marinated chicken, crumbled feta, and herbs beside warm lemon wedges for serving. Save
Freshly prepared Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki showcase marinated chicken, crumbled feta, and herbs beside warm lemon wedges for serving. | simplestatekitchen.com

These bowls have become my answer to everything. Weeknight dinner, impromptu guests, or just needing Greece on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For best results, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer marinade time will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Breasts cook slightly faster, so reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes per side. Thighs tend to be more juicy and flavorful, but both work well in this dish.

The key is to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber before adding it to the yogurt. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to press out the liquid. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thin and helps the flavors concentrate.

For a low-carb alternative, try cauliflower rice. Quinoa also works well and adds extra protein. You can also serve everything in warm pita bread for a traditional gyro wrap, or over mixed greens for a lighter salad version.

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for 3-4 days, the tzatziki for 4-5 days, and the prepared vegetables for 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken gently and assemble fresh bowls for best texture.

Absolutely. Outdoor grilling adds wonderful smoky flavor that complements the Greek spices. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

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A vibrant bowl of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki features tender sliced chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables like tomatoes and olives.
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Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Marinated chicken over rice with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce.

Prep 25m
Cook 20m
Total 45m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat preferred
  • ½ cup cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Warm pita bread, optional

Instructions

1
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration.
2
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
3
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
4
Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta on top of the rice in sections for visual appeal.
5
Finish and Serve: Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges and optional warm pita bread on the side.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Box grater
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 485
Protein 38g
Carbs 37g
Fat 21g

Allergy Information

  • Contains milk (Greek yogurt, feta cheese)
  • May contain wheat if served with traditional pita bread
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Erin Wallace

Sharing easy, family-friendly recipes and kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.