If there’s one weeknight upgrade that feels like a Mediterranean escape, it’s Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce. Bursting with vibrant flavors, colorful veggies, juicy marinated chicken, and a creamy, tangy kick from its signature sauce, this dish is the answer to both your craving for something fresh and your need for something satisfying. Every bite is packed with sunshine, thanks to zesty lemon, herby oregano, and that irresistible feta topping that truly brings it all together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce is simple, wholesome, and easy to find—but each ingredient plays an important role, from the juicy marinated chicken to the creamy feta sauce and crisp veggies. Here’s a closer look at what goes into creating all that flavor and texture.
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up all those beautiful Greek-inspired flavors.
- Olive Oil: Brings everything together with richness and helps the chicken stay juicy.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts up the whole bowl.
- Garlic: Gives both the marinade and the sauce a deep, savory kick.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Greek seasoning that adds herby warmth.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: The hearty, nutty base that soaks up the flavors—either option keeps things wholesome.
- Feta Cheese: The star of the sauce, lending creamy, tangy richness.
- Greek Yogurt: Gives the sauce a lush creaminess while keeping it light.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to the sauce, but you can dial this up or down.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness and color.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing in every bite.
- Kalamata Olives: Brings briny, savory depth to round out the bowl.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh finish (don’t skip it!).
- Red Onion (optional): If you love a little extra bite and color, this one takes it over the top.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This is where the magic begins. Toss your cubed chicken breast into a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—then let it chill in the fridge while those flavors get to know each other. Even just 15 to 30 minutes will make your chicken deeply flavorful and juicy, but you can go longer if you’ve got time!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Souvlaki
Heat up a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and just cooked through, flipping once—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. The goal is lovely caramelization and juicy centers. No grill? No problem. The stove-top works wonders here.
Step 3: Prepare the Grain Base
While the chicken is sizzling, warm your cooked brown rice or quinoa with a touch of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This quick step adds a silky gloss and ensures your grains are fluffy and ready to carry all the toppings.
Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce
Grab a small bowl and combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a dreamy, creamy sauce with a touch of heat and loads of tang. This is the signature punch in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce!
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part! Start with your warmed grains as the base, then add your succulent chicken pieces. Top it off with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, olives, (and red onion if you love the zing). Generously drizzle that Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce over it all, then finish with a shower of fresh parsley. Every color and texture complements the others, making each spoonful just irresistible.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce
Garnishes
Nothing brings your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce to life like a handful of chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra feta, or a light dusting of smoked paprika. If you want to impress, a quick swirl of extra virgin olive oil on top looks gorgeous and adds even more richness.
Side Dishes
Keep things easy and on-theme with warm pita wedges, a simple Greek salad, or even a pile of lemony roasted potatoes. Crisp green salads pair wonderfully too, offering crunch and freshness to contrast the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
These bowls are fun, but you can get creative! Try serving the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce as a big platter for sharing family-style, or scoop the fillings into warm flatbreads for a hand-held souvlaki wrap. You can even serve the components in mason jars for make-ahead lunches on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep all the components separate for best results. Store chicken, grains, veggies, and sauce in individual airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. This way, nothing gets soggy, and you can reassemble fresh bowls in a flash.
Freezing
While the veggies and sauce are best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely freeze the cooked chicken souvlaki and grains. Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your bowls again.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat only the chicken and grains—either in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if the grains are dry. All the fresh toppings and Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce should be added after reheating, so you get that perfect mix of warm and cool in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more juiciness and flavor and can be swapped in for the breasts with no changes to marinating or cooking times. The end result is just as delicious in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce.
Is there a way to make this bowl vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tofu. All these options pair perfectly with the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce and keep the Mediterranean vibe going strong.
What if I don’t like olives?
No problem! Olives add saltiness and depth, but you can leave them out or replace them with something milder like thinly sliced radishes or even artichoke hearts for a similar briny touch.
Can I make the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce in advance?
Yes, in fact, the flavors only get better after a short rest. Make it up to two days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before drizzling over your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce.
What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?
Batch-cook the marinated chicken and grains, prep your veggies, and whip up the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce at the start of the week. Store everything separately and build your bowl each day for the freshest taste and texture possible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that feels equal parts comforting and exciting, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce are hands-down a must-try. They’re the kind of fresh, flavor-packed bowls you’ll be craving on repeat, so don’t be surprised if they become a regular feature at your table!
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Mediterranean
Description
These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines flavorful marinated chicken, a wholesome grain base, a zesty feta sauce, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Grain Base:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: sliced red onion, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken cubes in marinade and refrigerate 15–30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Grain Base: Warm cooked brown rice or quinoa with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Make the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce: In a small bowl, mix crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Layer grains at the bottom, top with cooked chicken, then arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and optional red onion. Drizzle spicy lemon feta sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
