Meal prep Sunday just got a whole lot brighter with this Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl. It is 6pm on a Monday and you are tired. Dinner needs to happen fast and feel fresh. This recipe is the perfect answer for your busy week. It delivers a healthy reset that the whole family will love. You get fresh flavors and high protein in every single bite.
This bowl is colorful and vibrant. It feels like a sunny vacation in a bowl. You will love how simple it is to put together. It is a great way to stay fueled and focused. Let’s get cooking and make your week easier. You deserve a meal that tastes this good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love how this meal fits into your busy schedule. It is truly budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples. The flavors are bright and remind me of a sunny afternoon. It is a fantastic way to stay on track with a healthy reset. Your family will enjoy the fresh crunch of the vegetables. The creamy tzatziki brings everything together perfectly.
This recipe is a total winner for meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge for days. You can grab it and go for a quick lunch. It is high in protein to keep you full. You won’t feel weighed down after eating this meal. It is light, fresh and satisfying for everyone.
Simple Cooking Method
Making this bowl is very straightforward and stress-free. You start by marinating the chicken in savory herbs. Then you sear it in a skillet until golden. While the chicken cooks, you can prep your fresh vegetables. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this easily. It only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. You will feel like a pro in your kitchen.
The lemon rice adds a lovely citrus note. Assembly is the fun part for the whole family. You just layer the rice, chicken, and colorful toppings. It looks impressive and beautiful on the table. You will love the mix of warm and cold ingredients. It is a balanced meal that hits every note.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses fresh produce and simple spices from your pantry.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cubed chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill to create the tzatziki sauce.
- Fold the lemon zest into the warm cooked rice.
- Divide the lemon rice into four meal prep containers or bowls.
- Top each bowl with equal portions of cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with the prepared tzatziki sauce before serving or storage.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this bowl warm for a cozy dinner tonight. You can also enjoy it cold for a refreshing lunch. Pair it with warm pita bread for extra comfort. A side of hummus would be a great addition. I love to serve this with a glass of lemon water. It makes the meal feel like a special treat. Set the table and enjoy a calm moment.
If you are feeding kids, let them build their own. They love choosing their favorite toppings. It makes dinner time fun and interactive for them. You can also add a scoop of extra yogurt. This meal is versatile and family-friendly for any night. It is a great way to eat more veggies.
Keep It Fresh
This Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl stores beautifully in the fridge. Use airtight glass containers for the best results. The chicken and rice will stay fresh for four days. Keep the tzatziki sauce in a small separate container. This prevents the rice from getting too soft. It is the ultimate meal prep hack for busy people.
To reheat, just warm the chicken and rice separately. A quick minute in the microwave works perfectly. Then add your cold toppings and fresh sauce. It will taste just as good as day one. You can even freeze the cooked chicken easily. This makes future dinners even faster for you.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the lemon zest in the rice for flavor.
- Cut your chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is juicy.
- Marinate the chicken longer for a deeper herb flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating for a better sear.
- Use English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds.
- Wipe your skillet between batches if the spices burn.
- Add the feta cheese right before serving for best texture.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the white rice for quinoa for extra fiber.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender, juicy bite.
- Add roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor twist.
- Try dairy-free yogurt for a vegan-friendly sauce option.
Common Questions
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tzatziki two days early. The flavors actually get better as they sit together. Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before you drizzle it.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
This bowl is a great choice for a healthy reset. It is high in protein and full of vegetables. It helps you stay full without extra heavy calories. You can adjust the rice portion to fit your needs.
What is the best way to reheat this?
Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave for 60 seconds. Keep the veggies and sauce cold for the best experience. This contrast in temperatures makes the bowl taste fresh. You will love the creamy and warm combination.
I hope this bowl brings a little bit of sunshine to your kitchen this week. It is such a joy to have a healthy meal ready to go when life gets busy. Enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic , minced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cubed chicken in the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill to create the tzatziki sauce.
- Fold the lemon zest into the warm cooked rice.
- Divide the lemon rice into four meal prep containers or bowls.
- Top each bowl with equal portions of cooked chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with the prepared tzatziki sauce before serving or storage.
