Okay, friends, let’s talk Chicken Gyro Bowls! These are seriously life-changing. Remember those amazing gyros we used to devour in Queens? Yeah, those were the inspiration. We lived practically around the corner from two amazing gyro spots. They were so good, they inspired me to start making my own version at home. And that’s how these Chicken Gyro Bowls were born!
Now, how are these different from your classic chicken gyro? Great question! Basically, we’re ditching the flatbread (because, let’s be real, sometimes I forget to buy it…oops!) and serving everything over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the same delicious gyro flavor, but in a fun, customizable bowl format. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice!
These Chicken Gyro Bowls are super easy, I promise. The key is a little planning. Ideally, you want to prep a few hours in advance. Whip up the tzatziki sauce and get your chicken marinating. Trust me, that marinade is where the magic happens. Once those are done, the rest comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Making the Best Chicken Gyro Bowls
Okay, let’s break it down. First things first, the chicken marinade. This is crucial for maximizing flavor. If you’re short on time and can’t make the tzatziki ahead, absolutely prioritize the marinade. It’s super simple: just whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl, toss in your cubed chicken (I use a heavy-duty freezer bag for easy marinating), give it a good massage to make sure every piece is coated, and pop it in the fridge. I like to put the bag in a small bowl just in case it decides to leak (because, you know, life). Pro-tip: take the chicken out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
The tzatziki and cucumber salad are also a breeze. I love making these ahead of time too. This way, when dinnertime rolls around, I can just focus on cooking the chicken and making the rice. It’s my little secret to stress-free cooking! I’m a big believer in mise en place – having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. It makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, and it’s especially helpful when I’m cooking with my kids (it makes them feel like little chefs!). Plus, it makes me feel like I’m on a cooking show! Anyone else?
Chicken Gyro Bowl Variations (Because Customization is Key!)
The beauty of Chicken Gyro Bowls is that they’re totally customizable. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick.
- Veggie Power: Roast some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to add to your bowl.
- Grain Game: Swap the rice for quinoa, couscous, or even farro.
- Feta Fun: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Herb Heaven: Fresh dill, parsley, and mint are all fantastic additions.
Chicken Gyro Bowls: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
These Chicken Gyro Bowls are a winner for so many reasons. They’re easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. They’re also a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice. Plus, they’re a fun and interactive meal that the whole family will love. So, ditch the takeout menu and give these Chicken Gyro Bowls a try. You won’t regret it!
Chicken Gyro Bowls
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Loading...Ingredients
- Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated
- 1 tsp garlic, grated
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp oregano
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad:
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
- Other
- Store-bought frozen french fries
- Rice or your favorite grain
- Optional: lettuc
Instructions
Tzatziki Sauce
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, grated garlic, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust flavors as needed. Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight (longer the better!).
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Before you cook the chicken, make the cucumber salad first. Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and parsley in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and place in the fridge.
Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano in a medium bowl. Add chicken and stir until evenly coated. Cover, place in the fridge, and marinate for at least four hours or overnight. Again, make this the day ahead!
Rice
Before you cook the chicken, make a pot of your favorite rice. It could be white, brown, or even a different grain.
Cooking the chicken
Heat a cast-iron grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. Sprinkle with canola or vegetable oil. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Chicken should have a dark golden sear on each side, too. Remove from the pan and loosely cover with aluminum foil to let the chicken rest.
Assembly
Turn the oven on according to the directions on the bag of french fries. Cook the french fries as described. Once done, remove fries from the oven and place on a rack until warmed through. In a bowl, fill half the bowl with rice and the other half with lettuce. Scoop some cucumber salad over the lettuce, and 1/2 cup of chicken over the rice. Drizzle tzatziki over the bowl and top off with fries.
Notes
Make the chicken marinade ahead of time!
