Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 700 g (1.5 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese; 3 garlic cloves, roasted; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Black pepper, to taste; 1½ cups cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced; Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish

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If you’re searching for a fresh and utterly satisfying meal, look no further than Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream. This vibrant dish layers juicy marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies, all crowned with a swoon-worthy feta sauce bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s hearty yet light, simple enough for a weeknight, and the kind of bowl you’ll crave again before you’ve finished the first bite.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream shines through the simplicity of its ingredients. Each element harmonizes to create a mouthwatering combination of bright, tangy, creamy, and savory layers. Here’s what makes every part special:

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite; thighs are extra juicy, while breasts stay lean and tender when marinated well.
Olive oil: The backbone of our marinade and the secret to both flavor and a luscious feta cream.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang, making the chicken and sauce pop.
Garlic: Minced raw for the marinade, and roasted for a sweet, mellow kick in the feta cream.
Dried oregano: Offers that unmistakable Greek herb essence.
Smoked paprika: Delivers gentle heat and beautiful color to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential seasonings that enhance every layer.
Feta cheese: This salty, tangy cheese transforms the cream into a bold, creamy topping.
Greek yogurt: Gives body and a light tang to the Roasted Garlic Feta Cream.
Cooked rice or quinoa: A neutral, nourishing base soaking up all the juices and sauce.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances out the savory chicken.
Cucumber: Adds crunch and coolness for contrast.
Red onion: A bit of zest and beautiful color in every bite.
Kalamata olives: Bring a briny, savory punch that’s so Greek.
Fresh parsley or dill: These herbs give a pop of green flavor and finish the bowls with freshness.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Toss in the chicken cubes and roll them well through the marinade so every nook is flavored. Pop the bowl in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you want deeper flavor). Marinating is where the magic happens, so give the chicken time to soak up those Greek aromas.

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or sturdy skillet over medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers if you want that authentic souvlaki feel, or cook the cubes straight in the pan for convenience. Sizzle the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until it’s golden and lightly charred outside but juicy inside. Set aside to rest—it keeps those juices locked in for the perfect bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Garlic Feta Cream

While the chicken cooks, blend roasted garlic cloves, tangy feta cheese, creamy Greek yogurt, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Whirl everything together until luxuriously smooth and thick. A sprinkle of black pepper rounds it out, but taste and adjust as your heart desires. This sauce is the essence of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream—rich, tangy, and fragrant with mellow roasted garlic.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Begin by heaping fluffy rice or quinoa into each bowl as your canvas. Arrange the warm grilled chicken on top. Dot around wedges of cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, thin slices of red onion, and a generous scattering of Kalamata olives. Take a moment to admire the explosion of color—these bowls are a feast for the eyes as well!

Step 5: Dress and Garnish

Now comes the best part: Drizzle the rich Roasted Garlic Feta Cream generously over everything, letting it tumble down the mountains of chicken and veggies. Finish each bowl with a flourish of chopped parsley or dill. The result? The most magical Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream you could dream up! Serve right away for peak flavor and freshness.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream

Garnishes

Top your bowls with a handful of freshly chopped herbs—parsley and dill are classic and each offers a hit of brightness right at the end. For optional flair, add a dusting of extra feta or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. Garnishing really takes the whole dish from homey to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these bowls with warm, pillowy pita or fluffy homemade flatbreads to scoop up every bit of sauce. A simple Greek salad or lemony roasted potatoes are equally at home alongside to round out the meal. If you’d like to keep it light, a side of tangy tzatziki is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream family-style with all components in separate bowls so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or pack everything in a mason jar or lunchbox for a vibrant meal on the go. For a party, set up a “Build Your Own Greek Bowl” bar—guests love it, and it’s stunning on a buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream, simply transfer each component to separate airtight containers. While the veggies hold up well for a day or two, the chicken and sauce stay tasty (and safe) for up to three days in the fridge. This helps preserve each texture and prevents things from getting soggy.

Freezing

The chicken is perfect for freezing—just slice or cube it, allow to cool, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. It’s best to keep the rice or quinoa and veggies out of the freezer, as their texture can suffer when thawed. The Roasted Garlic Feta Cream freezes well too, so you can always have some on hand for quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in bursts until piping hot. The rice or quinoa can also be microwaved or steamed. Let the feta cream return to room temperature and give it a good stir before drizzling over your warmed bowl for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are lean and cook beautifully in this recipe—just be mindful not to overcook them. Marinating keeps them juicy, and a quick sear gives them a delicious char just like thighs.

How do I roast garlic for the feta cream?

To roast garlic, simply wrap whole cloves (skin on) in foil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they’re caramelized and buttery soft. Squeeze the roasted garlic right out of the skins for your feta cream.

Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based yogurt and use a dairy-free feta substitute. The sauce might be slightly less creamy but will still pack loads of flavor.

Is there a gluten-free version of this bowl?

These bowls are naturally gluten-free if you use rice or gluten-free quinoa as your base. Just check that your feta and any store-bought Greek yogurt are certified gluten-free to be safe.

What other veggies work well in these bowls?

You can totally mix it up with roasted eggplant, bell peppers, shredded lettuce, or even grilled zucchini. The best part about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream is how flexible they are—just use what’s in season or what you love most!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Roasted Garlic Feta Cream. Every forkful is a little escape to the sun-drenched Mediterranean, and it’s a recipe that fits busy weeknights and relaxed gatherings alike. Give it a try—once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become a regular on your table too!