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Homemade tzatziki sauce with fresh dill and cucumber for gyro bowls

Mediterranean Gyro Bowls

Flavorful Mediterranean Gyro Bowls featuring marinated chicken thighs, fluffy quinoa, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A complete, healthy meal ready in 45 minutes that's perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Healthy, Mediterranean
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of salt for quinoa
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt to taste for tzatziki
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • Red onion sliced into ribbons
  • Kalamata olives sliced
  • Feta cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • Medium bowl for marinating
  • Saucepan for quinoa
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Small bowl for tzatziki
  • Serving bowls
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove the bitter saponin coating. Transfer to a saucepan, add 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  3. Cover the quinoa and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then slice into strips.
  6. While the chicken rests, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), chopped dill, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, then refrigerate briefly to let flavors meld.
  7. Divide the cooked quinoa among four serving bowls.
  8. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cherry tomato halves, red onion ribbons, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  9. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki in the center of each bowl. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze cooked chicken and quinoa for up to 3 months. Tips: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. Make tzatziki a day ahead for best taste. Always squeeze excess water from cucumber to prevent watery sauce. Use chicken thighs for most tender results.
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