Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp paprika; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1–2 cloves garlic, finely grated (to taste); 2–3 tbsp water (to thin); Black pepper to taste; 3 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or lemon rice; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 large cucumber, diced; ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion; Kalamata olives (optional); Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and vibrant flavors, you absolutely must try these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs is grilled to perfection, then nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. The star of the show? A luscious, creamy garlic feta sauce that ties every bite together with just the right tang and richness. This dish feels both wholesome and indulgent, making it a perfect weekday dinner or a crowd-pleaser for entertaining friends.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each plays a unique role—whether adding depth to the marinade, freshness to the bowls, or creaminess to the sauce—making the final dish satisfying and beautifully balanced.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for easy grilling and juicy results.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors in both the marinade and sauce.
Lemon juice: Gives the chicken marinade and sauce a bright, tangy punch that’s signature to Greek cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic in the marinade and grated in the sauce infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
Dried oregano: The quintessential herb for Greek dishes, bringing earthiness and a hint of pine.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a warm color to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors naturally.
Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic feta sauce, lending a lovely tang and smooth texture.
Crumbled feta cheese: Provides salty, crumbly richness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Cooked rice, quinoa, or lemon rice: Forms the hearty bowl base, absorbing the sauce and juices beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and a refreshing coolness.
Kalamata olives (optional): Give a briny depth that complements the bright veggies and creamy sauce.
Fresh parsley or dill: Garnish with these for a burst of fresh herbal aroma and color contrast.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with classic Greek flavors, tenderizing the meat while building layers of aroma and taste. Add your boneless chicken and coat every piece thoroughly. Let it soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinate up to 12 hours for a deeply flavorful result.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat—the sizzle is part of the fun! Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until you see a beautiful golden crust and the meat is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juices, then slice it into bite-sized pieces ready to crown your bowls.

Step 3: Make Garlic Feta Sauce

While the chicken rests, prepare the irresistible garlic feta sauce. Blend or whisk together Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, freshly grated garlic, and just a bit of water to thin it out to your preferred creaminess. Season with black pepper to taste. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and garlicky bliss—absolutely essential for authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide your cooked rice, quinoa, or lemon rice evenly into bowls. Artfully arrange sliced chicken on top, then scatter cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives if using. This vibrant mix delivers a fresh and lively texture contrast that pairs perfectly with the warm chicken.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle generous dollops of that creamy garlic feta sauce all over your bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pretty, aromatic touch. Serve with extra lemon wedges if you like a little more zing. Every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a pop of green and a burst of fragrant flavor that brightens the dish instantly. A sprinkle of extra feta cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the bowl with an added layer of indulgence. Don’t skimp on these finishing touches—they truly make a difference!

Side Dishes

Complement your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce by serving alongside warm pita bread for scooping or a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. A light lemony orzo salad would also be a delightful companion, balancing the rich sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the sauced chicken over grilled flatbread or stuff everything into a pita pocket for a handheld delight. You can also layer all the components into a mason jar for a portable lunch or picnic option that’s both practical and stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover chicken and bowl components refrigerated in airtight containers for up to three days. Store the garlic feta sauce separately to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

While the chicken marinades freeze well, assembled bowls do not freeze optimally due to the fresh vegetables and sauce. Freeze cooked chicken pieces individually if you want a handy protein for future meals, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, taking care not to dry it out. Add the garlic feta sauce cold or bring to room temperature—either way, it’ll taste fantastic freshly stirred.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both work wonderfully, though thighs will be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time as needed to avoid dryness.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, marinated tofu, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian-friendly bowl.

Is the garlic feta sauce suitable for several days stored?

The sauce keeps well in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days but is best enjoyed fresh to retain its vibrant flavors and creamy texture.

Can I prepare this recipe without a grill pan?

Definitely! A regular skillet or even baking the chicken in the oven will still yield delicious results—just watch the cooking time closely.

What’s the best grain to use for the bowls?

Rice or quinoa are classic choices, with rice absorbing the sauce nicely and quinoa adding a nutty texture. Lemon rice is a lovely twist if you want extra citrusy flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Feta Sauce come together—bright, fresh, and utterly comforting all at once. Whether you’re sharing with family or savoring a solo meal, this dish celebrates the best of Mediterranean cooking with simple ingredients and big flavors. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every delicious bite!