Description
This Chicken Tzatziki Rice Bowl is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that combines tender grilled chicken marinated in lemon and oregano with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe delivers vibrant tastes and satisfying textures in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate the sauce to allow the flavors to meld while you cook the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Assemble the Rice Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle each bowl generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best results, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if desired.
- Use Greek yogurt for a thick and creamy tzatziki; regular yogurt can be used but may be less firm.
- Grill can be substituted with a grill pan or stovetop skillet if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Leftover rice can be used cold or reheated for convenience.
