If you’re craving vibrant flavors that transport you straight to a sun-soaked Greek seaside taverna, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce are exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection rest over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, bursting with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. The crowning glory is a luscious, creamy tzatziki sauce that brings it all together with bright, cooling notes. This dish is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes that make weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce. From the bold spices to fresh herbs and crisp veggies, these essentials create a robust and balanced flavor profile that you’ll love.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The heart of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein that absorbs flavor beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while grilling.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that livens up every bite and enhances the marinade.
Garlic: Imparts a warm, aromatic punch to both the chicken and tzatziki sauce.
Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that gives the chicken its authentic Mediterranean flair.
Paprika and ground cumin: Provide subtle smokiness and depth to the marinade.
Greek yogurt: The creamy base for tzatziki, adding a tangy, cooling contrast.
Cucumber: Grated and drained, it adds freshness and crunch to the sauce and bowl.
Fresh dill (optional): Adds a fragrant, herbal note that elevates the tzatziki.
Cooked rice or quinoa: The wholesome foundation of the bowl, soaking up delicious juices.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion: These vibrant veggies bring texture, color, and sweetness.
Kalamata olives or crumbled feta (optional): Add salty, briny depth for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Toss the chicken chunks in this mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or, even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to sink deep into the chicken, making it outrageously flavorful and tender once cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat – this will give the chicken those beautiful, golden grill marks that scream deliciousness. Cook each chicken piece for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juicy. Set aside briefly to rest, then slice it into bite-sized pieces to make the bowls easy to eat and enjoy.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is resting, mix together Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water to keep the sauce creamy), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill if you’re using it. Stir until smooth and luscious – this tzatziki sauce will bring a cool, tangy contrast that makes every bite sing.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Time to build your masterpiece! Divide cooked rice or quinoa equally among your serving bowls. Top each bowl with the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion for that refreshing crunch and color. Finally, drizzle generously with the homemade tzatziki sauce. Complete the dish with a handful of Kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese if you like a salty pop.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or extra dill brightens the presentation and taste. A sprinkle of sumac or a squeeze of extra lemon juice can intensify the flavors even more. Kalamata olives or crumbled feta also amp up that classic Greek vibe, adding a bit of saltiness and tang that balances the creamy tzatziki and savory chicken.

Side Dishes

Serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with a simple Greek salad or stuffed grape leaves for a fuller Mediterranean feast. Warm pita bread or herb-roasted potatoes can make fantastic companions, soaking up all those delicious juices and sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve components deconstructed on a platter so guests can build their own bowls, making it interactive and fun. You could also stuff pita pockets with the cooked chicken, veggies, and tzatziki for a delicious handheld option. Another idea is to layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a stunning and portable lunch or picnic option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover chicken, rice or quinoa, veggies, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This keeps everything tasting just as vibrant, even the next day.

Freezing

The marinated, cooked chicken freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to three months. Keep the tzatziki sauce refrigerated and fresh, as it doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy yogurt base.

Reheating

When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken and grains in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh or leftover veggies cold for texture contrast, and always top with an ample spoonful of freshly stirred tzatziki to keep the cooling element intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they’re juicy and flavorful. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times slightly if your pieces are larger.

Is it possible to make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt alternative to keep the creamy texture while making it dairy-free.

Can I prepare this recipe without a grill pan?

Definitely! A regular skillet or even baking the marinated chicken in the oven at around 400°F (200°C) until cooked through are both great alternatives.

What are good grain substitutes in the bowl?

If you prefer to switch things up, try couscous, bulgur wheat, or even cauliflower rice as lighter grain alternatives that will still pair deliciously with the chicken and tzatziki.

How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating overnight (up to 24 hours) is ideal to infuse maximum flavor, but even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference compared to skipping this step.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably joyful about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce that makes any meal feel festive and fresh. They’re practical enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for those Mediterranean flavors again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious Greek-inspired bowl that’s sure to satisfy every craving!