Short introduction
Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any meal. This bowl features marinated chicken served on a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and a delicious tzatziki sauce. It’s a wholesome option that packs flavor, nutrition, and a hint of zest, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll fall in love with this dish because it’s not only tasty but also healthy. It incorporates lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. The lemon and herb marinade gives the chicken a fresh taste, and the creamy tzatziki brings everything together. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. It’s a colorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced or chopped cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use thighs for a juicier option. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. You can also replace quinoa with couscous or farro. If you prefer a different type of sauce, try a garlic yogurt sauce or balsamic vinaigrette instead of tzatziki.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade in a mixing bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick and place it in a shallow bowl or ziplock bag with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to a few hours for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Make the tzatziki sauce
Combine all tzatziki ingredients in another bowl: Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and dill. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Cook the rice or quinoa
Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Chop your veggies as needed, and feel free to add olives for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cook the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F. Air fry one side of the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Alternatively, heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook each side until golden brown.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes away from heat before slicing.
Step 7: Assemble the bowls
Start by adding rice or quinoa to the bottom of the bowls. Then, layer on the veggies, sliced chicken, and tzatziki on top. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice as desired.
Success tips
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy.
How to serve
Serve your Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be enjoyed straight away or packed for meal prep.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the tzatziki is on the bowl, you may want to add additional fresh ingredients when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, feel free to use turkey or even fish like salmon.
How long can I store the chicken bowls?
You can store them in the fridge for about 3 days.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a little kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Can I make tzatziki in advance?
Absolutely! Making tzatziki a day ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store components separately until you’re ready to eat.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. A good option for a balanced meal with healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki is a delightful meal that is as easy to make as it is satisfying. You can enjoy all the flavors together, and it’s a great way to put a healthy twist on your daily meals. Try it out today and experience the freshness for yourself!
Links to related recipes
- Greek Chicken Salad
- Quinoa Tabbouleh
- Mediterranean Veggie Wraps
- Grilled Chicken Gyros
- Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 4 small pieces small chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the assembly
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups diced or chopped cucumber
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup feta cheese
For the tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated cucumber
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick and place it in a shallow bowl or ziplock bag with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to a few hours for enhanced flavor.
- Combine all tzatziki ingredients in another bowl: Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and dill. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Chop your veggies as needed, and feel free to add olives for extra flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F. Air fry one side of the chicken for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Alternatively, heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook each side until golden brown.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes away from heat before slicing.
Assembly
- Start by adding rice or quinoa to the bottom of the bowls.
- Then, layer on the veggies, sliced chicken, and tzatziki on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice as desired.