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Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Category: The Heart of the Meal

Succulent chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and warm spices, is grilled to perfection and sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or protein-packed quinoa. The hearty bowls are topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and crumbly feta to capture the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. Finished with a generous drizzle of cool, creamy tzatziki and a sprinkle of bright parsley, each serving is balanced and satisfying—perfect for a quick lunch or lively dinner. Enjoy a nourishing meal layered with color and taste.

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Updated on Sun, 17 Aug 2025 17:55:11 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. Save
A bowl of food with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. | sweetbyemma.com

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls are a weeknight hero in my kitchen offering the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in a single easy meal. They pack in protein freshness and tangy accents all in one bowl making it perfect for both meal prep and a quick family dinner.

The first time I threw this together was after a Greek vacation where my family fell for the bold flavors. Now it is our back pocket dinner that earns rave reviews every time.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: bring lean protein and really soak up the marinade. Look for meat that is firm and pale in color with no odor
  • Olive oil: lends richness and binds spices together. Choose extra virgin if you can
  • Lemon juice: wakes up all the flavors and tenderizes the chicken. Fresh is best for brightness
  • Garlic: builds a savory base. Opt for fresh plump cloves
  • Dried oregano: delivers that unmistakable Greek aroma. Go for Mediterranean oregano if available
  • Ground cumin: offers subtle warmth and earthiness
  • Paprika: gives mild smokiness and color
  • Salt: helps bring out the flavors in every bite
  • Black pepper: adds gentle heat and complexity
  • Cherry tomatoes: add a burst of juiciness. Go for firm sweet tomatoes
  • Cucumber: cools the bowl and adds crunch. Choose ones that feel heavy and have smooth skin
  • Red onion: pops with sharpness. Thin slices mellow the bite
  • Feta cheese: brings distinctly salty creamy tang. Look for blocks in brine for best texture
  • Tzatziki sauce: layers on a creamy tang. Make your own or buy a thick chilled one
  • Cooked rice or quinoa: builds a hearty base. Use leftovers or your favorite variety
  • Fresh parsley: infuses a finishing hit of color and herbal brightness. Flat leaf is my go to

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
Combine olive oil lemon juice minced garlic oregano cumin paprika salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken turning to coat each side evenly then cover and marinate for at least thirty minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for five to six minutes per side until golden brown and the juices run clear. Let it rest for several minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside
Prepare the Bowl Base
Spoon the rice or quinoa into the base of each serving bowl spreading it out for an even bed
Assemble the Toppings
Arrange sliced chicken cherry tomatoes cucumber red onion and feta cheese over the grain base in sections or mixed together based on your preference
Finish and Serve
Drizzle generous spoonfuls of tzatziki over each bowl and top with fresh chopped parsley. Serve right away while the chicken is warm
A bowl of food with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chicken. Save
A bowl of food with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chicken. | sweetbyemma.com

Tzatziki might just be my favorite ingredient here. After years of buying it I now make it in batches from scratch adding extra garlic and dill. My kids love helping assemble their own bowls which has become a busy week tradition for us.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the chicken and toppings separate from the tzatziki to prevent sogginess. Warm the chicken before serving and add fresh herbs before eating for a flavor boost

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite or swap in chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. You can use brown rice couscous or even cauliflower rice to fit your preferences. If you are dairy free try topping with a creamy hummus or a vegan feta instead of regular feta

Serving Suggestions

Set out all the toppings buffet style for a DIY gyro bowl bar at parties. Serve with warm pita wedges on the side and extra lemon for squeezing. This bowl also pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad or a side of olives

Cultural Roots

This bowl draws inspiration from traditional Greek gyros without the pita and street cart element. The combination of marinated chicken fresh vegetables and tangy yogurt sauce honors the bright vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine in a way that fits busy home cooks

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute quinoa for rice in this dish?

Absolutely, quinoa can seamlessly replace rice as a wholesome, protein-rich base for these bowls.

→ What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, though chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor.

→ Is marinating the chicken overnight necessary?

Overnight marinating enhances flavor, but even 30 minutes provides a tasty and aromatic result.

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Cook the chicken just until done, then let it rest before slicing to retain moisture and tenderness.

→ Are there other toppings I can use?

Try adding olives, pickled onions, or roasted peppers for extra Mediterranean flair and variety.

Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls

Sliced chicken, rice, vegetables, feta, and tzatziki combine for a flavorful Mediterranean bowl.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
By: Emma

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 2 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken Marinade

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1 teaspoon paprika
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Bowl Ingredients

10 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
11 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 ½ cucumber, diced
13 ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
14 ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
15 ½ cup tzatziki sauce
16 Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 02

Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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.


A bowl of food with rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chicken.
Step 05

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tools Required

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Serving bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from feta cheese and tzatziki sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~