Mediterranean Gyro Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls are a fresh and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. With juicy marinated chicken, tangy tzatziki, and vibrant veggies, this dish delivers all the classic gyro tastes in a convenient bowl. It’s easy to prepare and satisfying for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat are best)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup shredded cucumber (or diced cucumber)
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat are best)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (1 teaspoon if you like it extra garlicky)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cups cooked brown rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the chicken marinade ingredients—1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 grated garlic cloves, parsley, olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper—in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce by mixing 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, chopped dill, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
3. Step 3: Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to coat the bottom. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Step 4: To assemble, divide cooked brown rice into bowls. Top with cooked chicken, shredded cucumber, diced red onion, quartered cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute brown rice with quinoa or couscous for a different grain base.
• For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms or falafel.
• Let the chicken marinate longer, up to 2 hours, for deeper flavor.
• Add a drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like mint or oregano when serving.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh tzatziki just before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought tzatziki works well and can save time. Just choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt if I don’t have any?

Plain regular yogurt works as a substitute, but Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which helps with texture and taste. You can also strain regular yogurt through a fine sieve to thicken it.

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls combine tender, marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, tangy tzatziki sauce, and hearty brown rice for a flavorful and balanced meal inspired by classic Greek flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option, featuring a vibrant mix of herbs and spices that deliver authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (increase to 1 teaspoon if extra garlicky flavor desired)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cucumber (or diced cucumber)

Bowl Toppings

• 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Base

• 2 cups cooked brown rice

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir together until fully blended. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce by stirring together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, grated garlic, shredded cucumber, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to let flavors meld.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Spread the marinated chicken pieces into a single layer in the skillet. Allow the chicken to brown without moving it for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip each piece over. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
4. Assemble the gyro bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with cooked chicken, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Finish by adding a generous dollop of the chilled tzatziki sauce on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; for deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Adjust the amount of garlic in tzatziki to suit your taste preferences.
• To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover brown rice.
• For a low-carb version, substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice.
• Make extra tzatziki sauce to use as a refreshing dip or salad dressing.
• Leftover gyro bowls store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Mediterranean gyro bowls, chicken gyro, tzatziki sauce, Greek chicken recipe, healthy gyro bowl, brown rice bowl, Mediterranean diet