Name: Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cucumber, diced; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; ½ cup tzatziki sauce; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Nothing transports me to the sun-soaked streets of Athens quite like a big, vibrant bowl of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls. In each bite, you get juicy marinated chicken, tangy feta, crisp veggies, and a swirl of creamy tzatziki, all layered over grains for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is wildly flavorful. This dish brings all the classic flavors of a Greek chicken gyro to your kitchen table, minus the fuss and mess of a wrap. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to weeknight dinner or something meal-prep friendly, Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are always a guaranteed hit.

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things honest and simple, letting each ingredient shine for maximum flavor. Every addition has a role to play—whether it’s seasoning the tender chicken, adding crunch to the veggie topper, or lending that rich, signature tang to the whole bowl. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless, and skinless, these deliver juicy protein and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Olive Oil: The base for the marinade, giving the chicken great moisture and deepening the Mediterranean flavors.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a gentle acidic bite that tenderizes the chicken and awakens every other flavor.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic brings that unmistakable boldness to the marinade.
Dried Oregano: This essential Greek herb delivers earthy aroma and ties the whole dish together.
Ground Cumin: Offers subtle warmth and a touch of smoky depth.
Paprika: A gentle kick of color and a hint of sweetness makes the chicken extra inviting.
Salt: An absolute must for bringing out every nuance of flavor.
Black Pepper: Rounds it all out with a pop of mellow heat.
Cooked Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy, hearty base that soaks up sauce and juices—choose your favorite for the foundation of your bowl.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for extra sweetness and a juicy, colorful fresh bite.
Cucumber: Diced for crunch that cools and balances the other bold flavors.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and splash of beautiful color.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled for its creamy, tangy punch that says “Greek” in every forkful.
Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, herby, garlicky, and refreshing—spooned over the top for the classic gyro finish.
Fresh Parsley: The ultimate fresh garnish that adds a pop of green and extra aromatic flair.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a vigorous whisk. Watch as everything emulsifies into the most fragrant, golden marinade—this is the real secret to irresistible Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls and sets the stage for all those classic flavors!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Nestle your chicken breasts right into the marinade, turning to thoroughly coat every inch. Don’t rush this step! Let the chicken hang out and soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better). If you have time to let it sit overnight in the fridge, you’ll be rewarded with even more depth and tenderness.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and, once it’s shimmering, lay down your marinated chicken breasts. Cook them for 5–6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. Once done, remove them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps all the juices locked in for the most succulent protein.

Step 4: Prep the Base and Veggies

While the chicken rests, get your bases ready. Spoon cooked rice or quinoa into the bottom of each bowl—you want that warm foundation to catch all the toppings and sauce! Halve your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion, setting up a little veggie assembly line for easy bowl building.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyro Bowls

Start layering: pile the sliced chicken over your rice or quinoa base, then arrange heaps of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and slivers of red onion. Sprinkle crumbled feta liberally all over. Drizzle a generous spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce—don’t be shy! Finish with a bright flurry of fresh parsley on top. Your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are now ready to star at the dinner table!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Garnishes

Never underestimate the magic of a good garnish! Fresh parsley is the go-to classic for Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls, offering a pop of color and refreshing flavor. For a little extra, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even a handful of kalamata olives for a briny twist. A final drizzle of olive oil before serving can give everything a beautiful Mediterranean sheen.

Side Dishes

While Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls really stand tall all on their own, a few Mediterranean-inspired sides take things over the top. Pair with warm pita wedges for dipping, a crisp Greek salad, or even lemon roasted potatoes. If you’re serving a larger group, mezze platters with hummus, dolmas, or roasted red peppers will turn dinner into a true Greek feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are all about color and abundance! To make your presentation pop, serve your bowls family-style with all toppings in separate little dishes, so everyone can build their own masterpiece. For a party or potluck, try layering ingredients in mason jars for an eye-catching, portable twist. You can even pile the gyro bowl fillings into hollowed bell peppers for edible bowls bursting with flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls (which is rare in my house!), store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The veggies, chicken, grains, and tzatziki keep best this way and stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping things separated means nothing gets soggy and those crisp veggies keep their crunch.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken and the cooked rice or quinoa. Portion them out in freezer-safe containers and stow away for up to 2 months. It’s best to skip freezing the fresh veggies, feta, and tzatziki, as their textures don’t hold up well after thawing, but having the main components ready is a total weeknight win.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls, simply reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Then build your bowl as usual, adding fresh veggies, feta, and, of course, that cool tzatziki right before serving—just like new!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls. They’re extra juicy and flavorful, just adjust cooking time since thighs take a bit longer than breasts, but the result is deliciously succulent chicken every time.

What can I use instead of tzatziki sauce?

If tzatziki isn’t your thing, swap in plain Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon, a touch of olive oil, and some chopped fresh dill. For a dairy-free option, try a drizzle of tahini or a cashew-based sauce for creamy goodness.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa and double-check that your store-bought feta and tzatziki are also certified gluten-free. Avoid serving with pita or use gluten-free flatbreads!

Can I meal prep these bowls for the week?

You bet! Prepare the marinated chicken, grains, and pre-chopped veggies in advance. Store them individually and assemble just before eating. This keeps everything super fresh, and you’ll have a healthy lunch or dinner ready in minutes.

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken if I’m short on time?

Even a quick 15–20 minute soak in the marinade will lend great color and flavor to the chicken. If you’re working ahead, a longer marinade (up to overnight) deepens the taste, but in a pinch, just make sure all sides of the chicken are well coated and cook as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bright, bold flavors in a dish that’s equal parts hearty and healthy, these Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are destined to earn a top spot on your dinner rotation. Each bowl packs a taste adventure that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for company. Give them a try—you’ll be bringing a taste of the Mediterranean right to your own table!

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chicken Gyro Bowls are a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece into a convenient bowl format. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, bold flavors but also values quick and easy meal prep. The combination of marinated grilled chicken, fluffy rice or pita, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish that is satisfying yet light. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option that will keep you fueled throughout the week, Chicken Gyro Bowls are an excellent choice.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, divide the cooked rice or quinoa as the base. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle tzatziki sauce over the bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean