Description
Succulent Mediterranean chicken gyro bowls deliver a flavor-packed journey through Greek culinary traditions. Fragrant herbs, zesty tzatziki, and tender marinated chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Marinade and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice Base:
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid runs crystal clear, removing excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over moderate heat. Add rice, oregano, garlic powder, and salt, toasting grains for approximately 1 minute to develop nutty undertones.
- Pour broth or water into the rice, bringing liquid to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed.
- Allow rice to rest, covered, for 5 minutes before gently fluffing with a fork to create light, separated grains.
- Craft tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly and chill until serving.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high temperature. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
- Construct bowls by layering fragrant rice as a base, then arranging sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, and kalamata olives.
- Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled bowl, garnishing with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a burst of brightness.
- Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly marinated to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Customize the bowl with alternative protein options like tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian variations.
- Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg