Lemon Herb Chicken Bowls with Tzatziki
A vibrant and refreshing dish featuring marinated chicken served on a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce, perfect for any meal.
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.
Notes
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. This dish is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a balanced meal option with healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt.
