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Refreshing Chicken Tzatziki Bowls | Easy Mediterranean Lunch Recipe

Learn how to make fresh, healthy chicken tzatziki bowls with Greek marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crisp veggies — perfect for lunch or meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Greek Marinated Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 500g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 large cucumber, grated
  • 200 g thick Greek yoghurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (optional but refreshing)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • A pinch of salt

For Assembling the Bowls (Serves 2)

  • 200 g cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • Fresh dill or parsley, to garnish
  • Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes minimum (2–4 hours ideal). The longer it sits, the deeper that citrus-herb flavor infuses.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce

  • Grate the cucumber, then wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze to remove excess water.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the drained cucumber, yoghurt, dill, mint, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
  • Stir until creamy and smooth. Chill for at least 20 minutes so the flavors mingle.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the marinated chicken in batches (don’t crowd the pan) for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Let it rest for a few minutes — it’ll stay juicy and tender.

Assemble Your Bowls

  • Divide your grain base between two bowls.
  • Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, onion, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki.
  • Sprinkle feta on top and finish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.
  • Serve immediately — that mix of warm chicken and chilled sauce is chef’s kiss.