If you’re craving a vibrant, healthy meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, the Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances juicy, herb-marinated chicken with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and zingy dairy-free tzatziki that’s creamy without any dairy. It’s a colorful, protein-packed bowl that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing, making it great for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below are the simple yet essential ingredients for this Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe — each carefully selected to bring authentic flavor, exciting textures, and fresh color to every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the bright herbaceous marinade.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness to both the chicken and the tzatziki sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and the dairy-free sauce with a refreshing tang.
- Dried oregano: A classic Greek seasoning to infuse savory depth.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth in both the chicken marinade and tzatziki.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Dairy-free Greek yogurt (coconut or almond-based): The creamy base for the tzatziki that keeps it light and vegan-friendly.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and coolness, a must for authentic tzatziki and bowl topping.
- Fresh dill: The herb that brings a burst of garden freshness to the dish.
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower): A comforting foundation to hold all the toppings together.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet pops that brighten the bowl.
- Red onion: Thin slices deliver sharpness and color contrast.
- Kalamata olives: Rich and salty, these olives bring authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Feta cheese (optional): A traditional finishing touch, which you can skip for a fully dairy-free meal.
- Fresh parsley: For a lovely herbal garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your chicken breasts in this zesty blend so every bite will be infused with vibrant herb and citrus notes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors soak in – if you have time, a couple of hours will deepen the taste beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dairy-Free Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, grate your cucumber and squeeze out excess water so the sauce stays creamy and not watery. In a bowl, mix together the dairy-free Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until smooth and chill it until you’re ready to build your bowls.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a lovely golden-brown crust. Let them rest a few minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy, then slice thinly for easy assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Lay down a cozy base of your chosen rice in each bowl, then artfully arrange sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, thin red onion, and plenty of kalamata olives on top. Add a generous scoop of that creamy dairy-free tzatziki alongside. If you want, sprinkle on some feta cheese for a touch of richness or leave it out for the full dairy-free experience. Finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley to brighten everything up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe is ready to shine on your table. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling more tzatziki on top for extra creaminess. You’re in for a delicious and nourishing meal that’s bound to become a new favorite!
How to Serve Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a vibrant way to finish your bowl, bringing a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. For a little extra zing, consider topping with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This meal stands strong on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with warm pita bread or crispy roasted vegetables on the side. A simple Greek salad with olives and tomatoes also complements the bowl perfectly and keeps the Mediterranean theme alive throughout the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve your Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or sturdy lettuce leaves to make handheld wraps. Layer the bowl ingredients in a clear glass jar for a beautiful lunch or picnic option that showcases all those gorgeous, colorful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover components separately in airtight containers: chicken slices in one, tzatziki in another, and the vegetables and rice in a third. This helps maintain freshness and prevents sogginess. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days so you can enjoy delicious leftovers without compromise.
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes beautifully on its own. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the tzatziki or fresh vegetables, as their texture will not hold up well. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your chicken gently in a non-stick pan or microwave until heated through. Reheat the rice separately if needed. Always serve your tzatziki cold and fresh — just stir it before dolloping on the bowls again for that creamy, cooling effect that perfectly balances the warm chicken.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of dairy-free yogurt?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding dairy, regular Greek yogurt will make a silky and flavorful tzatziki sauce. Just be sure to use a thick yogurt for the best texture.
What’s the best type of rice for this dish?
Any rice works well here — white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low-carb. Each option adds its own texture, so choose based on your preference.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours really amplifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The components hold up well when stored separately and come together quickly, making this a fantastic and nutritious meal prep option.
Can I make the tzatziki in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dairy-free tzatziki a day ahead. It actually tastes better after the flavors have melded overnight in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe enough. It’s vibrant, full of texture, and packed with fresh flavors that are guaranteed to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. Plus, it’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and wholesome enough to enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try — your new go-to bowl is just a few steps away!
Print
Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Greek Chicken Bowl with Dairy-Free Tzatziki is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, vibrant fresh vegetables, and a creamy, dairy-free tzatziki sauce made from coconut or almond-based Greek yogurt. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this bowl combines tender chicken, tangy olives, crisp cucumbers and onions, and fluffy rice for a satisfying and nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup dairy-free Greek yogurt (coconut or almond-based)
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the Dairy-Free Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, mix the dairy-free Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber (after squeezing out excess water), lemon juice, fresh dill, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely browned. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place a base of cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) into each bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and kalamata olives on top. Add a scoop of the dairy-free tzatziki sauce on the side. Optionally, sprinkle feta cheese over the bowl for a dairy version.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish bowls with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, drizzling extra tzatziki over the top if desired. Enjoy a fresh and wholesome Greek chicken bowl!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Ensure excess water is squeezed from the grated cucumber to keep the tzatziki sauce creamy and not watery.
- Marinating chicken longer than 2 hours is not recommended as the acidity in lemon juice can break down the meat texture.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the tzatziki sauce.
