Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp olive oil; Salt to taste; 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or couscous); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cucumber, diced; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup Kalamata olives; ½ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill; Optional: warm pita wedges or lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting meal that bursts with flavor and brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table, you’re going to fall hard for these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce. This recipe perfectly balances tender, herb-marinated chicken with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and fresh, colorful veggies. Every bite is like a celebration of Greek flavors—from the smoky paprika and oregano in the chicken to the briny olives and crumbly feta cheese that crown the bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead, these bowls are fresh, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce is delightfully simple, yet each component plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature taste, texture, and visual appeal. From fresh veggies that add crunch and brightness to the rich, spice-infused chicken and luscious garlic sauce, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.

Chicken breasts: Fresh, boneless, and skinless, providing lean protein that soaks up all the lovely marinades.
Olive oil: Essential for marinating and cooking, it adds richness and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness that lifts every flavor in the marinade and sauce.
Garlic: Both minced and finely minced for two layers of aromatic punch in chicken and sauce.
Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb flavor that gives the chicken its unmistakable Mediterranean character.
Ground cumin & smoked paprika: Provide warmth and subtle smoky depth to the marinade.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors without overpowering.
Greek yogurt & mayonnaise: Combine to create a creamy, tangy garlic sauce that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
Cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or couscous): The comforting, fluffy base of the bowl.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion: Fresh veggies that add crunch, color, and refreshing balance to the bowl.
Kalamata olives & feta cheese: The salty, briny hits of flavor that make the dish authentically Greek.
Fresh parsley or dill: A pop of herbal brightness for garnish and fragrance.
Optional pita wedges or lemon wedges: For serving, to elevate the experience to a more authentic street-food vibe.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The marinade is where all the magic begins. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken cubes until they’re fully coated in this aromatic mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those vibrant Mediterranean flavors soak right into the meat, and if you have the time, letting it marinate for up to 8 hours takes the flavor to another delicious level. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and fragrant when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. For an extra authentic touch, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, but you can also cook them as loose pieces. Grill the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side develops that lovely golden color and smoky char. You’ll know they’re done when there’s no pink left inside and the edges have a bit of crispness—a hallmark of perfect souvlaki.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

This sauce is the showstopper, creamy and zesty with a punch of garlic. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, finely minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything until the texture is smooth and luscious. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly, making it perfect for drizzling or dipping.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

This is where all your prepared ingredients come together in a colorful, flavorful medley. Divide the cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or couscous) evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with grilled chicken, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, crisp diced cucumber, thin slices of red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the garlic sauce over everything and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for that final fragrant touch.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are the perfect finishing touch, adding brightness and color. Offering warm pita wedges on the side invites your guests to scoop up every last bit, while lemon wedges add an optional zesty squeeze that enhances the chicken’s marinade flavors even more. These little extras elevate the dish from simple to sensational.

Side Dishes

Though this bowl is a meal on its own, you can pair it with light Greek-inspired side dishes like a crisp Greek salad or roasted vegetables such as lemony potatoes or grilled zucchini. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed in olive oil and red wine vinegar complements the heaviness of the chicken beautifully, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken, veggies, and rice as build-your-own bowls at a casual gathering—letting everyone customize their stack with different amounts of garlic sauce, feta, and olives. Another idea is to wrap the chicken and salad into warm pita pockets for grab-and-go lunches. This recipe’s versatility means you can enjoy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce in many exciting ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you enjoy your bowls, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The marinated and grilled chicken will stay flavorful for up to 3 days, and the garlic sauce keeps well too. Keep the sauce separate from the bowl ingredients to preserve its creamy texture and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it separately from the fresh vegetables and sauce. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and refresh with freshly sliced veggies and new sauce for the best taste.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to keep it from drying out. Warm your rice or couscous separately, then assemble the bowls fresh. Avoid microwaving the garlic sauce—serve it cold as a cooling contrast to the warm chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender option that works wonderfully with the marinade and grilling method in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the garlic sauce?

If you prefer to skip mayonnaise, you can simply increase the amount of Greek yogurt or use a dollop of sour cream. The sauce might be a bit tangier, but it will still pack the signature creamy, garlicky punch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using rice or gluten-free couscous makes the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce naturally gluten-free. Just watch out for any pita or other sides that might contain gluten.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken between 30 minutes and 8 hours. Marinating longer infuses more flavor, but avoid going over 12 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the chicken too much and altering the texture.

Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The garlic sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This even helps meld the flavors deeper. Just be sure it’s well covered to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls & Garlic Sauce enough—they’re a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels festive but comes together quickly enough for any night of the week. The balance of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh is downright addictive and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you make this recipe, it will surely become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll happily return to time and time again.