Description
Savor Mediterranean magic with these chicken gyro bowls, a flavor-packed journey through Greek culinary traditions. Zesty marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
Fresh Vegetables and Garnishes:
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Craft a robust marinade by blending Greek yogurt, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, olive oil, oregano, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper, thoroughly coating chicken pieces. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Prepare tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, adjusting seasoning as desired.
- Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange chicken in a single layer, cooking 3-4 minutes until golden brown without disturbing.
- Flip chicken pieces and continue cooking 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Ensure even browning and complete cooking.
- Construct gyro bowls by layering cooked rice as a foundation. Arrange sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled bowl. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and crisp.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
- Double the marinade and reserve half before adding raw chicken to use as a delicious sauce or dressing after cooking.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure better caramelization and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg