Ingredients
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 shredded cucumber (or diced cucumber)
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (low fat or full fat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (use 1 teaspoon for extra garlic flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Assembly
- 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
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine all the chicken marinade ingredients—Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, parsley, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, mix together the shredded cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, grated garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to coat the bottom. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until nicely browned, then flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Assemble the Bowls: To serve, portion cooked brown rice into each bowl. Top the rice with cooked chicken, diced cucumber, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Mix gently if desired and enjoy your fresh, Mediterranean Chicken Gyro Bowl.
Notes
- For more intense garlic flavor, increase the grated garlic in the tzatziki sauce to 1 teaspoon.
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- Substitute brown rice with quinoa or couscous for variation.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Make sure to squeeze excess water from the shredded cucumber in the tzatziki to prevent a watery sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
