If you’re craving sun-drenched flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce are a game-changer. Packed with seasoned chicken, vibrant veggies, fluffy grains, and the coolest, creamiest homemade tzatziki ever, these bowls promise satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re aiming for a delicious lunch or a fresh, fuss-free dinner, this Mediterranean favorite is as easy as it is impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce is just how simple the ingredients are. Each adds a punch of color, crunch, creaminess, or zing, transforming everyday staples into something truly special.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Go for thighs for juiciness or breasts for lean protein—a flavorful foundation for any bowl.
- Olive Oil: Essential for enriching the marinade and achieving that golden grill-char on the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Infuses brightness and tenderizes the chicken.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant, signature punch to both chicken and sauce.
- Dried Oregano: The heart of Greek seasoning with its earthy, aromatic depth.
- Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a bit of warmth.
- Ground Cumin: Lends subtle nutty notes that balance the zest.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but crucial for bringing all the flavors to life.
- Greek Yogurt: The creamy base for your tzatziki—super thick and tangy.
- Cucumber: Grated and squeezed dry, it gives the tzatziki cool crunch without the wateriness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and a pop of color to your bowl.
- Red Onion: Sliced ultra-thin, it adds bite and vibrancy.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy, and crumbly for that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill): A final sprinkle of brightness that livens up each forkful.
- Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy grains provide a hearty, satisfying base for all those toppings.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss in your cubed chicken until everything is glistening and coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—though if you can spare a few hours, the flavors will become even more irresistible.
Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Heat up a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for crispy edges and a juicy, fully cooked interior—those enticing char marks are a bonus!
Step 3: Mix Up the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, get your tzatziki on. In a bowl, stir together thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (remember to squeeze out that extra liquid), garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a quick chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld—if you can wait that long!
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon a generous scoop of rice or quinoa as your base (hot or at room temp). Top with the juicy grilled chicken, then scatter over cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and those pretty slices of red onion.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Drizzle everything with plenty of chilled tzatziki sauce, finish with crumbled feta cheese, and shower with fresh herbs. Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce are ready for their grand entrance—serve warm or slightly chilled, and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce
Garnishes
Dress up your bowls with extra chopped parsley or dill, a little more feta, and a drizzle of good olive oil. A few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a citrusy pop right before digging in.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with warm pita bread, a simple Greek salad, or roasted veggies like eggplant and zucchini. For extra texture, a handful of kalamata olives is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your bowls family-style, with each topping in a separate dish so everyone can build their own just the way they like. You can even roll it all into warm pita for an on-the-go souvlaki wrap—this dish loves a crowd and adapts to any mealtime mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Separate any extra chicken, tzatziki, and bowl ingredients into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the toppings and sauce apart from the grains helps everything stay fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
The grilled chicken freezes beautifully! Pop cooled chicken in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. While tzatziki is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and reassemble the bowls whenever you’re ready for a quick Mediterranean meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat chicken pieces in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Grains can be microwaved with a splash of water to restore fluffiness. Add fresh veggies and tzatziki just before serving to maintain crispness and zing.
FAQs
Can I make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the chicken in advance, prep all your chopped veggies and grains, and quickly assemble the bowls when it’s time to eat. Tzatziki can be made a day ahead and chilled for best flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for tzatziki sauce?
For a dairy-free version, swap traditional Greek yogurt for a thick coconut or almond-based yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and plain—your tzatziki will still be creamy and delicious!
What grains work best for the base?
Both rice and quinoa are classics for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try bulgur or even cauliflower rice to switch things up and keep the bowl gluten-free!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or marinated tofu. The marinade works beautifully on veggie proteins, and the finished bowls are just as satisfying and protein-packed.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Of course! While fresh homemade tzatziki has unbeatable flavor, quality store-bought versions are totally fine for those busy days. Just give it a quick stir and maybe add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about building and savoring Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce at home. They’re fun, wholesome, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Try them for your next meal and see just how easy it is to bring a taste of Greece right to your table!
