A Taste of Greece in Your Kitchen Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl with Penzey's Magic Spice
Imagine taking a culinary trip to the streets of Athens without leaving your kitchen. That's precisely what you'll get with a Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl, especially when it’s seasoned with the incredible Penzey's Greek Spice. This spice blend has garnered a loyal following among foodies and home cooks for its authentic Mediterranean flavor. By creating this dish at home, you can savor the delicious flavors of Greece while reaping the benefits of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
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The Health Benefits of Homemade Gyro Bowls
One of the greatest advantages of making your own Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl is the control you have over the ingredients. Unlike fast-food options, you can choose fresh, high-quality components, ensuring a nutritious and balanced meal. Fresh vegetables, lean protein, and natural spices like Penzey's Greek Spice contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, making meals at home allows you to avoid unwanted additives and preservatives, which are common in pre-packaged foods.
Marinating the Chicken with Penzey's Greek Spice
Ingredients for the Marinade
2lbs chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Penzey's Greek Spice
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Marinating Process
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Penzey's Greek Spice, water, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until the spice blend is fully incorporated.
Cut the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces approximately 1-2 inches in size.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to absorb the flavors.
Creating Your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl
Ingredients for the Bowl
2-3 heads of romaine, shredded or chopped small
2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cups feta cheese, crumbled
1 cup Tzatziki Sauce (Tzatziki Sauce Recipe)
1 cup Pickled Red Onions (Pickled Red Onion Recipe)
2 cups brown rice (cook as packaged directions)
0.5 cups chopped fresh mint
.05 cups chopped fresh dill
Assembly
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Prepare the Base: While the chicken is cooking, shred or chop the romaine lettuce, chop dill and mint, and thinly slice the cucumbers. Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese.
Build the Bowl: In each bowl, add a generous portion of romaine lettuce as the base. Top with brown rice, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Add the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before adding it to the bowls.
Finish with Toppings: Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce, some pickled red onions, and garnish with fresh mint and dill to your liking. I also sometimes like a crunch and will add pita chips crushed on top.
A Taste of Greece in Your Kitchen Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl with Penzey's Magic Spice
Ingredients
- 2lbs chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Penzey's Greek Spice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced super thin
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- 1/2 large English cucumber
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of olive oil and lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Penzey's Greek Spice, water, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until the spice blend is fully incorporated.
- Cut the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces approximately 1-2 inches in size.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, and bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Prepare the Onions: Begin by peeling and slicing one red onion super thin. The thinner the slices, the better they willb absorb the pickling brine.
- Make the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, 4 tablespoons of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the salt and sweetener are completely dissolved.
- Pickle the Onions: Place the sliced onions in a jar. Pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Start by grating the cucumber using a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your Tzatziki sauce isn't watery.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and crushed garlic. Stir until well blended. Add the chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Optional Enhancements: For added richness and a touch of citrus, drizzle in a teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle some lemon zest. These additions are optional but highly recommended for a more complex flavor profile.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the Tzatziki sauce to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with your favorite dishes.
Notes
Create Your Gyro Bowl
- 2-3 heads of romaine, shredded or chopped small
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce (Tzatziki Sauce Recipe)
- 1 cup Pickled Red Onions (Pickled Red Onion Recipe)
- 2 cups brown rice
- 0.5 cups chopped fresh mint
- .05 cups chopped fresh dill
Prepare the Base: While the chicken is cooking, shred or chop the romaine lettuce, chop dill and mint, and thinly slice the cucumbers. Halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese.
Build the Bowl: In each bowl, add a generous portion of romaine lettuce as the base. Top with brown rice, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Add the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before adding it to the bowls.
Finish with Toppings: Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce, some pickled red onions, and garnish with fresh mint and dill to your liking. I also sometimes like a crunch and will add pita chips crushed on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
430.85Fat
16.91 gSat. Fat
2.89 gCarbs
13.43 gFiber
1.05 gNet carbs
12.37 gSugar
8.51 gProtein
52.81 gSodium
1340.63 mgCholesterol
149.27 mgThe nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Customizing Your Gyro Bowl
One of the joys of a homemade gyro bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re following a low-carb diet, you can skip the brown rice and add more green veggies. If you’re vegan, swap the chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu and use a dairy-free feta alternative. The possibilities are endless, making this dish perfect for any palate.
Exploring the Versatility of Penzey's Greek Spice
Penzey's Greek Spice is not just for gyros; its uses are as varied as your culinary imagination. Here are some ideas:
Greek-Inspired Roasted Veggies: Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil and Penzey's Greek Spice before roasting them to perfection.
Mediterranean Salad Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek Spice for a zesty salad dressing.
Flavorful Marinades: Use it to marinate fish, lamb, or even tofu for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Not only does Penzey's Greek Spice enhance the taste of your dishes, but it also provides nutritional benefits. Many of the herbs and spices in the blend, such as oregano and garlic, are known for their antioxidant properties and health benefits.
Creating a Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl at home is not only a fun culinary adventure but also a step towards healthier eating. By using fresh ingredients and quality spices like Penzey's Greek Spice, you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that's sure to impress. The satisfaction of crafting your meal from scratch, combined with the rich, authentic flavors, makes this dish a winner every time.
Try Penzey's Greek Spice, here
Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear about your experience making your Greek Chicken Gyro Bowl! Share your creations and any unique twists you added, commenting below or tagging me on Instagram. If you're looking to explore more recipes and get expert tips, don’t hesitate to reach out or sign up here for wellness tips and recipes added to the blog weekly! Happy cooking!
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