When I first made these chicken gyro bowls, I didn’t expect them to sneak their way into my weekly routine, but here we are. They’re one of those recipes that feel like a small gift to your future self, perfect if you’re hunting for meal prep ideas. There’s tender marinated chicken, fresh toppings that don’t get soggy, and that creamy tzatziki sauce that I swear I could eat by the spoonful. If you’re like me and always searching for meal prep chicken recipes that don’t taste like leftovers, this is it. The chicken stays juicy, the vegetables keep their crunch, and the rice makes it hearty enough to keep you full. I’ve tested enough recipes meal prep worthy, and trust me, this one actually holds up in the fridge. Plus, it comes together quicker than you’d think. And then there’s the sauce. A tzatziki sauce recipe easy enough to whip up while your chicken is cooking. Pair it with fluffy rice, crisp cucumbers, and if you’re feeling bold, warm pita from a gyro bread recipe on the side. Honestly, it might be one of the best meal prep recipes I’ve made. It’s got balance, flavor, and feels like something you’d happily eat even if you weren’t pressed for time.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
- 4) How to Make Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
- 5) Tips for Making Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
- 6) Making Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls
- 8) Try these dinner recipes next
- 9) Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Simple prep with bright Greek flavors that work well for busy weeks
- Juicy chicken with a quick yogurt marinade and a cool tzatziki sauce
- Fresh toppings that hold their bite after a chill
- Great for meal prep ideas when you want lunch that stays fresh
- Kathy on Simply Cooked Recipes shares clear steps and real life tweaks
2) Easy Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
I reach for this bowl when my list feels long and my energy feels short. It starts with tender chicken and a few pantry spices. I say it twice since it matters for planning. This checks the box for meal prep ideas and it keeps that promise for meal prep ideas through the week. The bowl tastes clean and bright. The sauce cools each bite. The crunch from fresh veg keeps it lively.
We build layers that stay close and speak well together. Warm rice. Lemon chicken. Crisp cucumber. Sweet tomato. A spoon of tzatziki sauce sits on top and ties it up. I keep the tone calm and the method clear. Think gyro bowls that you can pack with ease. Think easy tzatziki sauce recipe that you can stir while the pan heats.
On Simply Cooked Recipes I test for real time life. I skip fuss and keep flavor. Kathy stands with you at the stove and gives hints that save a step. The plan suits Greek chicken meal prep bowls and a steady lunch plan. It makes space for a light dinner too. The list stays short and the taste runs big without extra work.
3) Ingredients for Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Boneless skinless chicken thighs tender meat that stays juicy in a hot pan and holds spice well
Plain Greek yogurt a quick bath for the chicken and the base for the sauce for soft tang
Lemon juice bright acid that wakes up the meat and the dressing
Garlic minced cloves for a warm edge in both marinade and sauce
Dried oregano classic Greek herb that gives the chicken a clean savory note
Paprika gentle color and depth that rounds the spice blend
Kosher salt steady seasoning that supports each layer from rice to veg
Black pepper a sharp finish that balances the cool sauce
Olive oil helps the chicken brown and adds body to the sauce
English cucumber diced for the bowl and grated for the sauce for snap and water balance
Cherry tomatoes sweet halves that lift the bowl without extra weight
Red onion thin slices for bite and color that stays bright
Fresh dill soft green that makes the tzatziki smell like a garden
Cooked white or brown rice warm base that catches juices and gives the bowl a steady feel
Feta a crumb that brings a mild briny pop to each fork
Pita bread warm wedges for scooping for folks who like a side of bread with a bowl
4) How to Make Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1 mix the marinade Stir yogurt lemon juice garlic oregano paprika salt and pepper in a bowl
Step 2 coat the chicken Add the thighs and turn to cover each piece then rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes
Step 3 cook the chicken Heat a skillet with olive oil then sear the meat on both sides until browned and cooked through slice into strips
Step 4 make the tzatziki Grate cucumber and squeeze out liquid then fold it into yogurt with lemon garlic dill salt and a light splash of oil
Step 5 build the bowls Spoon warm rice into bowls add chicken cucumber tomato and onion then add feta and a spoon of sauce
Step 6 taste and adjust Add a pinch of salt a squeeze of lemon or more sauce until the balance feels right
5) Tips for Making Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Pat the cucumber dry so the sauce stays thick. A soggy sauce hides flavor. A dry grate keeps the bite clean and the bowl neat.
Cook the rice and let it sit with the lid off for a short spell. Steam escapes. Grains stay fluffy. Your spoon sinks in with ease.
Use a hot pan for a fast sear. Brown bits form on the surface and add depth. That quick mark gives simple chicken a grilled taste without fuss.
6) Making Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time
This plan fits a busy week and speaks to smart meal prep ideas. Pack rice and chicken in one box and keep sauce and veg in another box. The mix stays bright and the rice holds its shape.
Stir the sauce in a small jar. It keeps well for two to three days. The taste sits mellow and the dill smells fresh each time you open the lid.
Set up Greek chicken meal prep bowls on a tray and chill them. Grab and go works for school and office days. The plan keeps stress low and lunch steady.
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls
Store chicken and rice in a tight box in the fridge for up to four days. Keep veg and tzatziki in small cups on the side so they stay crisp and cool.
For heat place chicken and rice in a microwave safe bowl and warm in short bursts. Stir in between so the heat spreads well. Add sauce and veg after the heat step.
If you need a quick guide on how to reheat meal prep chicken think low heat and short time. The meat stays tender and the spices still sing.
8) Try these dinner recipes next
9) Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Meal Prep Ideas Flavorful Chicken Gyro Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side. Slice into strips.
- Prepare the tzatziki by mixing yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Divide rice between bowls, then top with chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and parsley.
- Spoon tzatziki sauce over each bowl before serving. Add warm pita if desired.
10) Nutrition
Serving size one bowl Calories 480 Sodium 640 mg Fat 22 g Saturated fat 4.5 g Carbohydrates 40 g Fiber 4 g Protein 32 g Cholesterol 110 mg Values are estimates from tests in my home kitchen on Simply Cooked Recipes with Kathy
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