If you’re craving all the brightness and bold flavors of Greece in one hearty meal, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce are here to whisk you away. This dish brings together juicy, aromatic grilled chicken souvlaki, tender grains, crisp veggies, and a lusciously creamy tahini garlic drizzle—all in a colorful, wholesome bowl. Each layer delivers sunshine-worthy flavor, and the magic really happens when you swirl it all together with that garlicky tahini. Simple, nourishing, and an absolute showstopper, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknights or get-togethers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce is how unfussy yet purposeful every ingredient is. Each component, from the citrusy chicken marinade to the creamy feta and fresh vegetables, plays an important role in creating a vibrant and balanced bowl.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for thighs if you want extra-juicy souvlaki, or breasts for a leaner bite—either holds flavor brilliantly.
- Olive oil: Key to both the marinade and the tahini sauce, it adds richness and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh lemon juice: Gives the chicken its signature tang and also brings brightness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Essential for depth in both the marinade and the sauce—use fresh for the best zing!
- Dried oregano: This herb infuses the chicken with classic Greek flavor.
- Ground cumin: A hint of earthiness that enhances, but doesn’t overpower, the savory chicken.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and color to the marinade—smoked or sweet, both work.
- Salt and black pepper: The basics, but utterly crucial for bringing every flavor forward.
- Tahini: Nutty, creamy, and a perfect match for garlicky lemon in the sauce.
- Warm water: Used to thin out the tahini, so your sauce is pourable but not runny.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness bursts over the bowl for vibrant color and sweetness.
- Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and hydrating, it’s a must for Greek bowls.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness, it balances the rich flavors with a mild bite.
- Kalamata olives: Salty and briny, these truly make the bowl feel Mediterranean.
- Feta cheese: Creamy crumbles that bring richness and a little tangy punch on top.
- Grain base (rice, quinoa, or bulgur): Choose your favorite for a hearty, wholesome foundation that soaks up all the sauces.
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional): For a burst of color and herbal brightness as garnish.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Squeeze extra freshness just before taking your first bite.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add in your cubed chicken, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated with the marinade. This is where all the flavor begins! Let everything marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, several hours in the fridge makes the chicken positively irresistible.
Step 2: Grill the Souvlaki
Fire up a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. If you enjoy a little char and the fun of skewers, thread the marinated chicken cubes on wooden or metal skewers. Grill the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to get that gorgeous caramelized crust on all sides. The chicken should be golden and cooked through—don’t overcook or you’ll miss out on that juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Whip Up Tahini Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together tahini, warm water, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Start with less water, then slowly add more until you reach a dreamy, creamy consistency that’s pourable but not watery. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like—it’s all about that perfect lemon-garlic balance.
Step 4: Assemble the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce
Time to build the bowl! Start with a generous scoop of your preferred grain (rice, quinoa, or bulgur). Arrange the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and freshly grilled chicken over the base. Sprinkle with crumbled feta for that classic creamy finish. Then, with a flourish, drizzle your tahini garlic sauce generously all over the top. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Step 5: Add Garnishes and Serve
Top your bowls with chopped fresh parsley or dill, and tuck a lemon wedge on the side for an extra burst of citrusy freshness. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm, and don’t forget to snap a photo—these bowls are as beautiful as they are delicious!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
For a truly authentic touch, scatter fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the assembled Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce. Not only do they add vibrant color, but the herbs also bring a lovely brightness that lifts the entire bowl. Lemon wedges on the side are a must for squeezing just before eating—trust me, it makes every bite pop!
Side Dishes
Though these bowls are filling and well-balanced on their own, you can round out your Greek feast with classic sides like warm pita bread, tangy pickled vegetables, or a light Greek salad. If you’re feeling extra festive, bake some crispy potato wedges spiced with oregano and paprika for dipping into the tahini garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce for a crowd or party, set up a DIY “bowl bar” with individual toppings, grains, and plenty of sauce. Let everyone build their own perfect bowl! For an elegant dinner, layer everything beautifully in wide shallow bowls and finish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of extra paprika for flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooked chicken, vegetables, grains, and tahini garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps each component fresh and prevents the grains and veggies from getting soggy. Everything should keep well for about 3 to 4 days, and you can quickly assemble a fresh bowl whenever hunger strikes.
Freezing
The chicken souvlaki freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Grains like rice or quinoa can be frozen too, though it’s best to enjoy the fresh veggies and sauce within a few days and not freeze them as they can lose their crispness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the chicken souvlaki (with or without grains) in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. If you’re using frozen chicken or grains, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture. Always add fresh veggies and a new drizzle of tahini garlic sauce after reheating for those unbeatable flavors and colors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner choice but still soak up the marinade beautifully. Just be careful not to overcook them since they dry out faster than thighs.
Is the tahini garlic sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your grains (rice or quinoa) are gluten-free too if that’s important for your meal.
Can the marinade be used with other proteins?
Definitely. The same savory marinade works wonders on shrimp, pork, or even tofu if you’re creating a vegetarian variation of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply skip the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The rest of the bowl is already dairy-free, including the luscious tahini garlic sauce!
What grains work best for the base?
Classic steamed white rice is always a winner, but brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur are excellent for extra texture and nutrients. Any cooked grain that can soak up flavor makes a delicious foundation for these bowls.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen in the most delightful, vibrant way. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to create something so satisfying and fresh. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving a crowd, these bowls are a love letter to Greek flavors straight from your own stove.
