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Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce for Easy Healthy Meals

Mediterranean chicken bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean chicken bowl featuring juicy, well-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or couscous (whole grain recommended)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Add olive oil if chicken sticks.
  4. Prepare quinoa or couscous according to package instructions. Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
  5. Divide cooked quinoa or couscous into bowls. Top with warm chicken, diced vegetables, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.
  6. Optional: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle sumac or smoked paprika over the bowl for extra flavor.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes for best flavor; up to 2 hours for deeper taste. Drain cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki. Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear on the chicken. Tzatziki tastes better after resting in the fridge. For dairy-free tzatziki, substitute Greek yogurt with plain coconut yogurt. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; store tzatziki separately to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bowl, tzatziki sauce, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy Mediterranean meal, quinoa bowl, healthy dinner, chicken with yogurt sauce