Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. Place the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours for better flavor.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. Squeeze as much water as possible from the grated cucumber. In a separate bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber with the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and fresh dill. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
- Cook Your Base and Prep Veggies: Cook the rice or quinoa according to package directions. While it simmers, chop the vegetables for the bowls: halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber, shred the lettuce, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill or pan-sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Rest and Assemble: Let the cooked chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing. Assemble the bowls by starting with a base of rice or quinoa, adding shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and sliced chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese and a large dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. The key to creamy tzatziki is to squeeze all excess moisture from the grated cucumber. For meal prep, store the chicken, grains, vegetables, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers. You can substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu, and use other grains or a bed of greens as a base.
