If you’re craving a Mediterranean feast packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, fresh veggies, and a bright, herby sauce, Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki were made for you! This colorful bowl brings together the best Greek flavors in an irresistible, all-in-one meal. Every bite melds expertly marinated grilled chicken, tangy whipped feta, ultra-fresh tzatziki, crunchy cucumber, and bursts of sweet tomatoes over fluffy rice. If you need an easy dinner that’s as gorgeously vibrant as it is satisfying, you’ll fall in love with these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki is deliciously straightforward, but every element truly counts! Each one brings either juicy protein, creamy richness, refreshing crunch, or a pop of herbs to make the finished bowl shine with flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for juicy, tender souvlaki bites—thighs give extra richness, while breasts are leaner.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the marinade infuse the chicken for that Greek signature taste.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up every layer and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic: Don’t hold back—real Greek food needs a punch of garlicky flavor in every component.
- Dried oregano: Essential for that classic, earthy Greek aroma in your souvlaki.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and color to the chicken.
- Salt & black pepper: Trusty basics to round out and heighten every flavor.
- Feta cheese: The base for your whipped feta—it’s tangy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.
- Greek yogurt: Used twice for creaminess in both the whipped feta and the tzatziki—choose thick, whole milk yogurt for best results.
- Extra olive oil for the feta: Just a splash for luxurious silkiness in the cheese spread.
- Fresh lemon juice (for the feta): A squeeze lifts the richness of the feta.
- Black pepper (for the feta): Just a tiny pinch for balance.
- Cucumber (for the tzatziki): Grate fresh cucumber and squeeze well—this makes the sauce perfectly creamy, not watery.
- Fresh dill: The secret to tzatziki’s bold herbal flavor—don’t skip it!
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a final, herby flourish and color pop.
- Basmati or jasmine rice: These rice options offer a light, fluffy base that lets your toppings shine.
- Cherry tomatoes: For sweetness and a burst of color with every bite.
- Cucumber and red onion: Crunchy, juicy, and so refreshing.
- Kalamata olives (optional): A briny, bold garnish that rounds out the Greek flavors.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Drop in your chicken chunks and toss everything until each piece is glistening and well-coated. Even a quick 30-minute marinade will give your chicken a serious flavor upgrade, but if you’re able to plan ahead, a few hours will make it even better!
Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Lay down the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, just until it’s deeply golden and cooked through. The combination of marinade and high heat gives you juicy, twinkling charred edges (hello, souvlaki magic!)
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Feta
Use a food processor or simply a bowl and sturdy spoon to combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of pepper. Blend or whip it all together until it’s smooth, creamy, and spreadable. This step could convert even feta skeptics!
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki
In another bowl, stir together thick Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (remember to squeeze out that extra water!), grated garlic, bright lemon juice, freshly chopped dill, and a little salt and pepper. The result is a creamy, cooling sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything—don’t skip tasting and adjusting for extra lemon or dill if you love bold flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon fluffy, cooked rice into each bowl to form the perfect base. Top generously with your golden-brown chicken, cherry tomatoes, crisp diced cucumber, and vibrant red onion. Feel free to get a bit artistic with your arrangement—the colors are too pretty not to show off!
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Don’t hold back now: dollop each bowl with whipped feta, give a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and shower everything with fresh parsley. This is also where you sneak on a few Kalamata olives if you love their saltiness. Serve immediately—Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki are all about those contrasting flavors coming together, piping hot and fresh!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki
Garnishes
The right garnishes truly elevate these bowls. A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness, a few glossy Kalamata olives offer savory depth, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a light drizzle of olive oil on top brings color. If you’re feeling fancy, add a lemon wedge for a final squeeze of zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki with warm pita bread, roasted potatoes tossed in lemon and oregano, or a light Greek village salad for an extra dose of Mediterranean sunshine. Don’t forget a cool glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to complete the experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve these bowls deconstructed on a platter for a build-your-own “souvlaki bar” at gatherings. For a picnic, pack all the components separately and assemble on the go. Or, pile the toppings into warm pita pockets for a portable Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki sandwich twist—the options are as endless as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
All the elements of these bowls keep beautifully when stored properly. Transfer leftover grilled chicken, whipped feta, and tzatziki into separate airtight containers and place them in the fridge. Prepared rice and the fresh veggies should go in their own containers, too. Everything will stay fresh for about 3 days—just wait to assemble until you’re ready to eat for best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked souvlaki chicken for up to 2 months—simply cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The whipped feta and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh, as dairy tends to change texture when frozen, so it’s not recommended to freeze these components. Rice, however, can be frozen and reheated smoothly when needed.
Reheating
Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in short bursts in the microwave until just heated through to preserve its juiciness. If you’re reheating rice, a splash of water and a cover will revive its fluffiness. Both the whipped feta and tzatziki should be served cold, straight from the fridge, for ultimate creaminess and contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving during cooking than breasts, so they’re a fantastic (and delicious) choice for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a substitute for feta if I don’t like it?
If feta isn’t your thing, you could swap in ricotta or even a tangy goat cheese for the whipped feta component. The flavor profile will shift, but you’ll still get that creamy, decadent element that makes these bowls special.
What’s the best rice for this recipe?
Basmati and jasmine rice are both perfect choices because they stay fluffy and light under the souvlaki toppings, but you can use any rice you love—including brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It’s all about what makes your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki feel right for you!
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare all the elements ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, assemble your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki for a fresh, flavorful meal prep lunch or dinner that beats takeout every time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese, marinated tofu, or even roasted chickpeas. The whipped feta, tzatziki, and all those colorful veggies do a lot of the heavy lifting, so you’ll still have plenty of flavor and texture in your bowl.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes deliver such a vibrant blend of flavor and freshness as Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Whipped Feta & Tzatziki. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe turns any meal into a festive celebration. Trust me, once you taste how all these components come together, you’ll want to make these bowls again and again!