Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Orzo & Tzatziki 🥗🍋

Hi there! You know those meals that make you feel like you’re eating on a sunny terrace by the Mediterranean? That’s exactly what this Greek Chicken Bowl does. It’s bright, fresh, and full of flavor — juicy marinated chicken, tangy lemon orzo, creamy tzatziki, and crisp veggies all together in one beautiful bowl. I love making this because it’s healthy, satisfying, and feels like a vacation in a dish. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep — you can make a few bowls ahead and enjoy them all week long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Greek Chicken Bowls so special is the balance — you’ve got savory grilled chicken, refreshing cucumber and tomato, the citrusy kick of lemon, and that cool, creamy tzatziki sauce to tie everything together. It’s wholesome, easy to customize, and bursting with flavor. And the best part? It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with good-for-you ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or a prep-ahead meal, this one checks every box.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not just tasty — it’s loaded with nutrients your body will thank you for. Chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and energized, while orzo gives you a nice dose of complex carbs for sustained energy. Fresh veggies like cucumber, tomato, and red onion add vitamins and hydration, and the Greek yogurt in tzatziki delivers probiotics for gut health. The olive oil and lemon bring heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s truly a balanced meal in one colorful bowl!

Adaptable Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese — both are delicious and full of protein.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the orzo for cauliflower rice or chopped romaine lettuce for a lighter, grain-free bowl.
• Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or drizzle of spicy olive oil for a little kick.
• Extra Creamy: Mix a bit of crumbled feta into your tzatziki for extra tang and texture.

Greek Chicken Bowls with Lemon Orzo & Tzatziki Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Lemon Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (or mint)
• Pinch of salt

For Assembly:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Olives (optional but highly recommended!)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice.
3. Prepare the orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and parsley. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. Make the tzatziki: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Mix until smooth and chill until ready to serve.
5. Assemble the bowls: Add a generous scoop of lemon orzo to each bowl, top with sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki. Sprinkle with feta and add a few olives if you like.
6. Serve & enjoy: Drizzle with extra olive oil or squeeze a bit more lemon on top before digging in!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Meal prep magic: Make all the components ahead of time — the flavors actually get better after chilling! Store chicken, orzo, and tzatziki separately for freshness.
• Perfectly juicy chicken: Don’t skip the rest time after cooking — it locks in moisture and keeps the chicken tender.
• Make it your own: Swap veggies based on what you have — roasted peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado all fit beautifully here.
• Serving idea: Try turning this into a wrap using pita bread or flatbread — it’s a delicious handheld version of the same bowl!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another grain instead of orzo? Definitely! Quinoa, couscous, or even rice work perfectly as substitutes.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead? Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s amazing with the lemon and herbs.
3. How long does tzatziki last? It stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge — just stir it before serving.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Sure! Use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and skip the feta or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Call to Action

Did you try these Greek Chicken Bowls? 🍋 I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Pinterest so I can share your beautiful bowls — they always look so vibrant and fresh. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next lunch or dinner inspiration. Trust me, once you taste that zesty lemon orzo and creamy tzatziki combo, you’ll be making it on repeat! 🇬🇷💛