Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives & Chickpeas
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives & Chickpeas is a delicious and healthy meal that packs a punch of flavor. This recipe combines grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce to create a satisfying dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal that is both nutritious and tasty. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and chickpeas, while the fresh veggies add crunch and freshness. Plus, the tzatziki sauce brings a creamy, tangy flavor that ties everything together. Whether you need a filling lunch or a cozy dinner, this rice bowl is the ideal choice.
How to Make Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki, Olives & Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons black (Kalamata) olives
- 2 tablespoons green olives
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cucumber, finely grated and squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
- Grill the seasoned chicken breast (using olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder) for about 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions and chop the veggies.
- In a bowl, mix all the tzatziki ingredients until creamy. This includes Greek yogurt, minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning.
- Once everything is ready, divide the cooked rice into two serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cucumbers, chickpeas, olives, and a dollop of tzatziki.
- Garnish with fresh dill and a drizzle of olive oil. You can enjoy it chilled or slightly warm!
How to Serve Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
Serve the chicken rice bowl right after preparing it for the best flavor and freshness. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any meal. You can also add extra herbs or hot sauce if you prefer more flavor.
How to Store Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice bowl can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can warm it up in the microwave or enjoy it cold.
Tips to Make Ultimate Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor.
- Use a grill or grill pan for the chicken to get those lovely char marks.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Adjust the tzatziki ingredients to your taste. If you like it thicker, add more yogurt. If you enjoy it tangier, add more lemon juice.
Variation
You can easily customize this rice bowl. Try using shrimp or tofu instead of grilled chicken. You can also switch up the toppings by adding avocado or feta cheese for an extra creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken, tzatziki, and veggies in advance. Just assemble the bowls right before you’re ready to eat.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and watch for gluten in your tzatziki ingredients.
3. Can I use other types of rice?
Absolutely! You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and taste.
