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You need 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut stays juicy when cooked. For the marinade, gather these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients well to coat the chicken. Letting it marinate adds deep flavor. For the base, use 1 cup of cooked quinoa. Quinoa is light and healthy. Add fresh veggies for crunch and color: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced These veggies brighten the bowl. They also offer freshness against the savory chicken. Tzatziki brings creaminess and zest. You need: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 teaspoon dried dill - A pinch of salt Mix these well to create a smooth, tangy sauce. This sauce elevates the flavors of the bowl. Enjoy the freshness and flavor of these ingredients as they come together! {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing Marinade Ingredients Start by mixing 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to your taste. This mix gives the chicken great flavor. Properly Coating the Chicken Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and add them to the marinade. Ensure every piece is well coated. This helps the chicken absorb all those tasty flavors. Recommended Marination Time Cover the bowl and let it marinate. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating overnight in the fridge works best. This makes the chicken even juicier. Grilling Technique Preheat your grill or skillet on medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on it. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. This gives a nice char and locks in moisture. Checking for Doneness The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside. Mixing and Combining Ingredients In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried dill. Add a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and set aside. Tips for Flavor Enhancement For extra flavor, let the tzatziki sit for a bit. This allows the ingredients to blend well. You can also add fresh herbs if you like. Layering Ingredients Effectively Grab your serving bowls. Start with a base of 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice. Next, add sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Presentation Tips Make it look pretty! Use a drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pairing with Pita Bread Warm up some pita bread. It’s great for dipping into the tzatziki or eating with the bowls. Ideal Accompaniments You can serve Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with a side of olives or a fresh salad. These add a nice touch to your meal. Enjoy! Choosing the Right Cut I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this dish. They are juicy and full of flavor. Thighs stay tender during cooking, unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out. You can also try chicken breasts if you prefer them. Additional Marinade Tips For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For even more taste, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This helps the spices soak in deeply. Use a good-quality olive oil for a richer flavor. Don't skip on salt; it enhances every bite. Enhancing Flavor with Herbs Tzatziki is a star in this bowl. To make it extra tasty, add fresh herbs like mint or dill. They add freshness and a nice twist. You can also mix in some chopped cucumber for extra crunch. Alternative Ingredients to Try If you want to change things up, use Greek yogurt for creaminess. Swap lemon juice for some apple cider vinegar for a zing. You can even add a touch of honey for a sweet note. Each change offers a new flavor. Using Different Grains Quinoa is a great base for these bowls, but it’s not the only option. You can use brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Each grain brings its own texture and taste. So, feel free to experiment with what you have. Flavoring Options for Base To make the grains more flavorful, cook them in broth instead of water. You can add herbs or spices to the cooking water too. A bay leaf or some garlic can make a simple grain taste amazing. This small step makes a big difference! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat deeply. Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Ensure your grill or skillet is preheated properly. This helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy inside. Tzatziki Freshness: Make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving Suggestions: Consider adding feta cheese and olives to your bowls for an extra touch of authentic Greek flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. These options absorb flavors well and offer a nice texture. To adapt the marinade for these proteins, swap the chicken with tofu. Blend olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Marinate tofu for at least 30 minutes. This gives it a tasty punch. The beauty of gyro bowls lies in the toppings. You can choose unique vegetables to add more flavor. Try roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes. These choices add color and taste. You can also introduce different sauces. While tzatziki is a classic, consider tahini or a spicy harissa sauce. These options bring a fresh twist to the dish. Adding spices can change the flavor profile of your gyro bowl. Try cumin for a warm, earthy taste or coriander for a citrusy note. These spices add depth and interest to your meal. Explore global influences to enhance the recipe. For a Middle Eastern touch, add sumac or za'atar. For an Indian flair, mix in curry powder. These spices can transform your gyro bowl into a new dish. Best Practices for Refrigeration After enjoying your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the chicken, grains, and veggies separate if possible. This keeps everything fresh. Refrigerate within two hours of serving. Use leftovers within three days for the best taste. Freezing Tips and Duration You can freeze the chicken and grains together. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Ensuring Chicken and Grains Stay Moist To reheat, you want to keep everything moist. Add a splash of water or broth to your chicken and grains. This helps steam them as they heat. Cover them with a lid or use a damp paper towel. Best Methods for Reheating The microwave is quick and easy. Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between. You can also use the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps everything warm and tasty. A Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl is a tasty dish inspired by the classic gyro. It uses marinated grilled chicken thighs as the star. The bowl includes fresh ingredients like quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. A creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt adds flavor and moisture. You can serve it all over a bed of quinoa or rice. Each bite gives you a mix of flavors and textures that make it special. Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. They also hold up better during cooking. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely. They can dry out if overcooked. You may need to adjust the marination time for breasts since they are leaner. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For the best taste, marinate it overnight in the fridge. Longer marination helps the spices penetrate deeper, creating a more robust flavor. You can serve Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls with warm pita bread. It complements the meal well. A side of Greek salad adds freshness and crunch. You might also enjoy a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon. These drinks enhance the meal's flavors and make it feel special. In this post, I covered how to make a Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl. We explored the main ingredients, including chicken, quinoa, and tzatziki sauce. I detailed each step for marinating, cooking, and assembling your dish. You also learned tips for perfecting flavors and storage options for leftovers. With these simple steps, you can create a tasty meal that is both healthy and fun. Enjoy making this dish your own by adding unique ingredients and flavors. Happy cooking!

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce served over quinoa or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 count cucumber, diced
  • 1 count red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 count pita bread, warmed (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator if time permits).
  • Preheat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  • In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa (or rice) as the base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion.
  • Drizzle a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  • Warm up pita bread and serve alongside the bowls for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor.
Keyword chicken, gyro, healthy, quinoa, tzatziki