Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls

$- 2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons tahini - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish You can swap cooked chicken with leftover turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option. If you don’t have quinoa, brown rice works great. You can also use any fresh veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers and spinach can add nice flavors too. Instead of feta, try goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese. If tahini is not available, you can skip it or use peanut butter for a different twist. These bowls are not just tasty; they are healthy too. The chicken gives you protein, while quinoa or brown rice adds carbs. Fresh veggies bring vitamins and minerals. Feta adds calcium, and Greek yogurt offers probiotics. Each serving has about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This makes it a balanced meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Enjoy these bowls for a quick meal that is good for you! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the dressing, grab a medium bowl. Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil together. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Set it aside. Letting it sit helps the flavors blend well. Take a large serving bowl and add cooked quinoa or brown rice. Spread it evenly across the bottom. This base adds texture and taste to your bowl. Start by adding the leftover chicken. Spread it out evenly on top of the grains. Then, arrange the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion around the chicken. This brings bright colors to your dish. - Incorporating Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olives Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and halved Kalamata olives on top of the bowl. This adds a nice salty flavor and enhances the Mediterranean feel. - Drizzling with Tahini Yogurt Dressing Generously drizzle the tahini yogurt dressing over everything. Make sure all ingredients get a light coating. This dressing ties all the flavors together. - Garnishing for Presentation Finish by adding freshly chopped parsley or dill. This not only adds flavor but also makes your bowl look pretty. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your colorful and tasty leftover chicken gyro bowl! To shred leftover chicken, start with chilled chicken. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Hold one fork in each hand. Grab a piece of chicken with one fork. Use the other fork to shred it into thin strips. You can also use your hands if the chicken is cool enough. This method keeps the chicken tender and makes it easy to mix in your bowl. Store leftover ingredients in airtight containers. Use separate containers for each item. This keeps them fresh longer. Label the containers with dates. Most cooked chicken lasts up to four days in the fridge. Fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes should be eaten within three days for the best taste. For meal prep, cook extra chicken on purpose. Season it well to add flavor. Use quinoa or brown rice as a base. They stay fresh for a longer time. Chop your veggies in advance. Keep them in separate containers. This makes it easy to assemble bowls quickly. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have. Pro Tips Flavorful Chicken: For the best taste, use leftover chicken that has been seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a Mediterranean flair. Chilling Time: Allow the assembled bowls to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and create a refreshing dish. Customizable Grains: Feel free to swap quinoa for brown rice or use any other grain of your choice to suit your dietary preferences and taste. Garnish for Color: Adding freshly chopped parsley or dill not only enhances flavor but also gives the dish a vibrant, appealing look. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Tofu works great if you want a meat-free dish. Just press and cube the tofu, then sauté it in olive oil with spices. Lamb is another tasty option. Use cooked lamb or grill it for a new flavor. Both choices will keep your gyro bowls exciting and fun! Feel free to change the veggies based on the season. For spring, try adding asparagus or radishes. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers for crunch. Fall brings great options like roasted sweet potatoes. Using seasonal veggies not only tastes better but also supports local farms! The dressing can change the whole dish. Mix in some herbs like dill or mint for a fresh twist. You could add a bit of garlic for a stronger taste. A splash of hot sauce can bring heat if you like spice. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect sauce! To keep your leftover chicken gyro bowls fresh, use airtight containers. Place the cooked quinoa or rice at the bottom. Layer the chicken and veggies on top. Avoid adding yogurt dressing until you are ready to eat. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do not microwave the whole bowl. Instead, take out the chicken and grains. Heat them in a pan over medium heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the grains from drying out. Add fresh veggies after reheating for a crisp bite. If you want to freeze your gyro bowls, separate the ingredients first. Freeze the chicken and grains in one bag. Store the veggies in another. Use freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. Consume within three months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. No, using raw chicken will not work for this recipe. You need cooked chicken to make these gyro bowls quick and easy. Raw chicken takes longer to cook and can lead to food safety issues. Always use leftover cooked chicken that is safe to eat. This way, you save time and enjoy a meal right away. You can keep leftover gyro bowls in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps the ingredients fresh and safe to eat. If you want to enjoy them later, try to eat them within this time frame for the best taste. Gyro bowls are filling, but you can add sides for a full meal. Consider serving a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Pita bread or hummus also pairs well. For a refreshing drink, try iced tea or lemonade. These options complement the flavors and make your meal even better. You now have a complete guide to making Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls. We covered the key ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional info. Then, we walked through each step, from dressing to assembly. I shared tips for shredding chicken and best practices for meal prep. We explored variations and storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Take these ideas and make them your own. Enjoy your flavorful, healthy meals!$

Leftover Chicken Gyro Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring shredded chicken, quinoa or rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini yogurt dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups leftover cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
to garnish Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend together the Greek yogurt, tahini, fresh lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
In a large serving bowl, begin by adding cooked quinoa or brown rice as the base layer, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Top the grains with the shredded leftover chicken, ensuring it is spread out so each bite has a mix of flavors.
Arrange the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion around the chicken, creating sections of vibrant colors.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and halved Kalamata olives over the entirety of the bowl, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to the dish.
Generously drizzle the prepared tahini yogurt dressing over the entire bowl, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or dill, adding not just flavor but also a pop of color to your dish.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors, or allow the bowl to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully together.

Notes

For a decorative touch, serve the bowls in individual portions and add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra fresh burst of flavor.

Keyword bowl, chicken, gyro, healthy, quinoa