Introduction
Cooking in my kitchen always feels like stepping into a warm family story, filled with flavors that carry a piece of the past. Some of my fondest memories are tied to those moments when recipes—handed down through generations—were brought to life with a little bit of improvisation and a whole lot of heart. There’s something special about turning simple, wholesome ingredients into a meal that not only fuels the body but connects us to tradition and each other. This Loaded Mediterranean Chicken Power Bowl with Tzatziki and Feta is one of those dishes that’s both a nod to heritage and a fresh twist for busy days. It’s colorful, packed with bold flavors, and just the right kind of messy to remind you that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. Sometimes, the best meals come out of those “oops” moments, and this bowl promises plenty of that joyful, delicious chaos at the heart of the kitchen. PrintLoaded Mediterranean Chicken Power Bowl with Tzatziki and Feta
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Loaded Mediterranean Chicken Power Bowl with Tzatziki and Feta is a vibrant and wholesome dish perfect for a satisfying meal
It combines tender marinated chicken with fresh Mediterranean flavors and creamy tzatziki sauce
The bowl is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that offer a balanced and delicious eating experience
Ideal for those looking for a hearty yet healthy option that brings together the essence of Mediterranean cuisine
Ingredients
From 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
1/2 cup pickled red onions
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup cucumber slices
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt to taste (for tzatziki)
Instructions
In a bowl combine olive oil lemon juice dried oregano minced garlic salt and pepper Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes
Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest before slicing into strips
For the tzatziki sauce mix Greek yogurt grated and drained cucumber minced garlic lemon juice chopped dill or mint and salt in a bowl Chill until ready to serve
Place cooked brown rice or quinoa in each serving bowl as the base Top with grilled chicken strips pickled red onions cherry tomatoes cucumber slices and crumbled feta cheese
Add a generous spoonful of the tzatziki sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley Serve immediately or store the components separately for meal prep
Notes
Make sure to chill the tzatziki for best flavor
Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy
Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste
Toast the grains for extra texture
Serve immediately for best freshness
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 12
Preparing time
30 minutes (for marinating)Cooking time
12 minutes (grilling or pan-searing)Ingredients and measurement
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa 1/2 cup pickled red onions 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup cucumber slices 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint Salt to taste (for tzatziki)Instructions
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, coating them well. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes—this little wait makes all the difference.Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5 to 6 minutes each side until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing into strips, so it stays juicy.Prepare the tzatziki sauce
Combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill or mint, and salt in a bowl. Chill until serving — this cool, creamy sauce is a game changer.Assemble the bowl
Spoon the cooked brown rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Layer with grilled chicken strips, pickled red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta. Dollop with tzatziki and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve right away or keep separate for meal prep.Notes
Marinate longer if possible
If you’ve got time, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for a few hours or overnight will make it even more flavorful.Don’t skip draining the cucumber
Draining the grated cucumber well for tzatziki helps avoid a watery sauce — nobody wants a soggy face!Adjust herbs and lemon
Feel free to swap dill for mint depending on your mood, and add more lemon juice if you like extra tanginess.Real talk
Sometimes my chicken sticks to the pan or the marinade gets away from me — just laugh, wipe down, and try again. Cooking isn’t perfect, and that’s the fun part!
Cooking tips :
Marinating Magic
Taking the time to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes really brings out that lemony, oregano vibe. I once was in such a rush and skipped this step—big mistake. The chicken ended up a bit bland and sad. So don’t rush it, your taste buds will thank you.Perfect Sear Every Time
Whether you’re grilling outside or using a skillet, medium-high heat is your best friend. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and you get sad rubbery chicken. Watching that sizzle and flipping after 5-6 minutes gives that golden crust that makes slicing a joy.Rest Before Slicing
This is like the unsung hero tip—letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in the juices. I admit I’ve sliced right away (impatient me), and the plate turns into a dry mess. Wait the extra few minutes, it’s worth it.Drain the Grated Cucumber Well
For the tzatziki, squeezing out excess water from the grated cucumber keeps the sauce from becoming watery. Last time, I skipped this step, and man, the sauce just wouldn’t thicken no matter what I did.Layer Your Bowl Like A Pro
Start with your rice or quinoa as the cozy base, then pile on chicken, veggies, and tangy feta. Don’t forget that generous dollop of tzatziki on top—it’s the personality your bowl needs.FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just remember thighs might need a bit longer to cook, and they’ll bring a juicier, richer flavor.How long can I store the leftovers?
Keep components separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mixing everything together earlier might make things soggy.What’s a good substitute for feta?
Try goat cheese or a crumbly ricotta salata for that salty, tangy kick without overpowering the rest.Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Totally! Swap out Greek yogurt for a coconut or cashew-based yogurt, and leave out the feta or choose a dairy-free alternative.Can I prepare this without a grill?
Definitely use a skillet or oven broiler. Just watch closely so you get that nice sear without drying out the chicken.Conclusion
This dish is such a fresh, satisfying combo that never fails to feel like a little celebration on your plate. The herby, lemony chicken with that cool, tangy tzatziki just hits all the right notes, especially when paired with the wholesome brown rice or quinoa base. Honestly, I’ve found that letting the chicken rest after cooking makes all the difference—it keeps everything juicy and tender, even if you’re rushing around trying to get dinner on the table. Sometimes I forget to drain the cucumber for the tzatziki properly, and the sauce gets a bit watery, but hey, it still tastes great—proof that a little imperfection doesn’t ruin the joy of a home-cooked meal. It’s one of those recipes that suits both busy weeknights and casual weekend dinners, and you can easily prep parts ahead to save time without sacrificing flavor.Suggestions of another similar recipes
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
A vibrant twist using chickpeas, bell peppers, and olives tossed in lemon and oregano, paired with the same marinated grilled chicken.Greek-Inspired Chicken Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Hummus
Swap the rice for roasted sweet potatoes and add a smoky homemade hummus—great for mixing textures and flavors.Warm Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken and Tzatziki Dressing
Keep it cozy by serving the quinoa warm and tossing it with sautéed greens before layering the chicken and creamy tzatziki on top.Chicken and Veggie Pita Wraps with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Turn your ingredients into handheld lunch heroes by wrapping the grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and yogurt sauce in warm whole wheat pitas.