These Chicken Gyro Bowls are a fun and tasty meal! They come with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce all served over warm rice or pita.
Making these bowls is always a hit at my house. I love how you can pile on your favorite toppings. Who doesn’t enjoy customizing their dinner like a pro? 😄
For me, it’s all about that zesty sauce on top! I often make extra chicken to enjoy in wraps or salads the next day. It’s super easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is the star of this dish. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute. Just shred it and skip the marinating step.
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely richness to the chicken. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor, or if you’re avoiding oil, use a splash of chicken broth to cook the chicken.
Dried Oregano: It’s key for that classic Greek flavor. If you don’t have oregano, try dried thyme or Italian seasoning; they’ll bring a nice herbiness too!
Feta Cheese: Feta is essential for that tangy bite. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice and nutritional yeast.
Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy sauce is a must! You can make a quick version with plain yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and a dash of lemon juice. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
How Can I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking the chicken just right makes all the difference! Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for at least 15 minutes. This infuses flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Preheat your skillet well on medium-high heat. This helps to sear the chicken nicely.
- Add the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming. If your skillet is crowded, cook in batches.
- Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside, about 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F for safety.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken for your gyro bowls every time!
How to Make Chicken Gyro Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking. So, in total, the Chicken Gyro Bowls can be ready in about 25 minutes. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by taking a mixing bowl and add the diced chicken breast. Pour in the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices. This will make your chicken flavorful!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and completely cooked through. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetable Salad:
While your chicken is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and Kalamata olives. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything evenly.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take your serving bowls and divide the vegetable mixture evenly among them. Then, add a portion of the cooked chicken right on top of the veggies in each bowl.
5. Add Tzatziki and Finish:
Next, spoon some tzatziki sauce over the chicken and vegetables in each bowl. It adds a wonderful coolness to the dish!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of each bowl and add some fresh dill or parsley for that lovely touch. Serve your tasty Chicken Gyro Bowls immediately and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For shrimp, cook them for about 3-4 minutes until pink. For chickpeas, simply drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then sauté them with the same spices until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Tzatziki Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have tzatziki sauce, you can easily make a quick alternative by mixing plain yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add some fresh dill or cucumber for extra flavor if you like!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to keep the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki separate until you’re ready to eat again. When reheating, warm up the chicken in the microwave or on the stove, but add the fresh veggies and tzatziki after reheating for the best taste.
Can I Prepare These Bowls in Advance?
You can prep the chicken and the vegetable mixture a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken, assemble the bowls, and top with fresh tzatziki sauce and garnishes!
