Easy Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bowl
This bowl combines juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, crisp Mediterranean veggies, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce. It’s healthy, satisfying, and ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
1 ½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated & squeezed to remove water
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Bowl Toppings:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
In a pot, bring water/broth to a boil.
Stir in rice, olive oil, and salt.
Reduce heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes (until fluffy).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt & pepper.
Coat chicken with marinade; let sit 10–15 minutes.
Heat grill pan/skillet over medium-high and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt & pepper.
Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of rice.
Add sliced chicken.
Top with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta.
Drizzle generously with tzatziki.
Garnish with parsley.
Notes & Tips
Make it meal prep friendly → Store chicken, rice, and veggies separately; add tzatziki before eating.
Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous.
Add extra veggies like roasted zucchini or bell peppers.
Use store-bought tzatziki for extra speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
✅ Yes, replace chicken with falafel, chickpeas, or grilled halloumi.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
✅ Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes.
Q: How long does homemade tzatziki last?
✅ Up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g