Make a Mediterranean masterpiece with this bowl full of juicy chicken, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and more.
Inspired by the famous and flavorful gyro sandwich, this gyro bowl is a gluten-free version made to enjoy as a salad instead of a sandwich. Rather than wrapping the classic Greek ingredients in a pita, everything is tossed together on a bed of warm brown rice. Well-seasoned chicken chunks are mixed with tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and freshly whipped tzatziki sauce. All of this can be assembled in just 35 minutes, which makes this recipe a great option if you’re looking for hearty flavor in a pinch.
At home, the first gyro bowl I ever made was with fluffy, protein-rich quinoa instead of rice. To this day, it’s one of my favorite one-bowl meals. One day, I hope to make gyro bowls in a little home that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. How satisfying that would be—to enjoy such a delightful dish in the lush land it was inspired by. Plus, the fresh local ingredients would taste amazing! Wherever we are in the world, this recipe helps us bring bright and beautiful Greek flavors to our own kitchen.
Is This Gyro Bowl Healthy?
With a good balance of protein, fiber, and other nutrients, the gyro bowl is both delicious and nutritious. Since it’s made with rice instead of pita, it’s also gluten-free. The only thing to watch out for is the salt levels, but by going easy on the feta, or skipping the salt in the marinade, you can help keep them in check. Want to make a vegan version? First, replace the chicken with Instant Pot Chickpeas or Baked Tofu. Next, replace regular Greek yogurt and feta cheese with plant-based alternatives.
What Is Gyro? And Where Does It Come From?
Hailing from Greece, gyro (pronounced “yee-row”) is a dish made of rotisserie-cooked meat that’s thinly sliced and stuffed into a warm pita with raw vegetables. The Greek word gyros means “circle” and refers to the way the meat is cooked by turning it over an open flame. The typical kind of meat that’s used is a blend of beef and lamb, but here we’re using chicken, and taking those classic wrap accompaniments to serve together in a healthy bowl instead.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover gyro bowls are best eaten fresh but can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, ideally without the sauce. Much like a salad, it will get soggy over time once everything has been assembled. There’s no need to reheat as leftover gyro bowls are best enjoyed cold.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your gorgeous gyro bowl with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, then serve it alongside other Greek treats. Some of my favorites are garlicky Greek Potatoes, Greek Pizza, herbaceous Greek Fries, or warm Pita Bread. For less traditional (but just as delicious) pairings, try Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots, or Potato Rolls.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
For the Rest of the Bowl:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into chunks
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients: olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken and coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet coated with olive oil over medium heat; cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally during cooking.
- Make the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt with diced cucumber, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, and dill. Chill until ready to serve.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
- Divide the brown rice among bowls. Top with sliced chicken, salad mixture, tzatziki, and crumbled feta.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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