Ultimate Greek Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki & Olives!

🍽️ Ultimate Greek Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki & Olives

A vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal packed with Mediterranean flavors! Juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, creamy tzatziki, and briny olives come together for the perfect Greek-inspired bowl — fresh, balanced, and meal-prep friendly.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, adds depth)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)

• ½ medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or lemon rice)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• Fresh parsley or mint for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

• Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

• Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.

3. Prepare the Tzatziki

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Assemble the Rice Bowls

• Divide cooked rice into 4 bowls.

• Top each bowl with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.

• Drizzle with tzatziki and garnish with fresh herbs.

• Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

• Tzatziki: Lasts up to 3 days refrigerated — stir before using.

• Rice & veggies: Keep separate until serving for best texture.

• Can be served cold or warm, making it a great lunchbox or make-ahead meal!

❓ Q & A: Common Questions & Variations

Q1: Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
✅ Yes! Both are great options. Quinoa adds extra protein and a nutty flavor, while brown rice adds fiber and a heartier texture.

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
✅ Absolutely.

• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

• Use dairy-free yogurt to make the tzatziki vegan.

Q3: What kind of olives work best?
Kalamata olives are classic, but you can use green or mixed olives depending on taste. Make sure they’re pitted for easier eating!

Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
✅ Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.

Q5: How can I make it lower carb?
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce to turn it into a Greek chicken salad bowl.

Q6: What other toppings can I add?
Try roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, avocado, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Q7: Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
✅ Yes — tzatziki tastes even better after a few hours! The flavors meld beautifully, just stir before serving.

🍋 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Warm pita bread or flatbread

• A side of Greek salad

• A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for brightness

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

• Quick, balanced, and customizable

• Packed with protein and Mediterranean flavor

• Great for meal prep or family dinners

• Naturally gluten-free, and easy to make dairy-free