Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, protein-packed meal bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, look no further than these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce. This dish masterfully combines tender, lemony chicken chunks with a creamy, tangy-spicy feta sauce that’s as addictive as it is fresh. Tossed atop a bed of fluffy rice and colorful veggies, every bite feels like a vacation for your taste buds. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, these bowls nail comfort and excitement all in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce truly shine are the vibrant yet simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute brightness, texture, and bold flavor. From juicy, marinated chicken to crisp veggies and that unforgettable feta sauce, every element plays a vital role.

• Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (1 lb / 450g): The star protein—juicy and tender when marinated and cooked right.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
• Garlic (3 cloves total, minced): Provides aromatic depth in both marinade and sauce.
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Zesty brightness that lifts both chicken and sauce with fresh citrus notes.
• Lemon zest (1 tsp): Intensifies lemon flavor without extra acidity.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): Classic Mediterranean herb that ties the flavors together.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Gives a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Creamy, salty, and tangy base for the spicy lemon feta sauce.
• Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Adds smoothness and a cooling effect against the spice.
• Olive oil (1 tsp): Enriches the sauce and rounds out flavors.
• Chili flakes (¼ tsp): Provides a gentle kick—adjust to your spice preference.
• Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous (2 cups): The wholesome, comforting base for the bowls.
• Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Crisp, refreshing contrast in every bite.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
• Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and crunch.
• Kalamata olives (½ cup, optional): For salty, briny pops that feel authentically Greek.
• Fresh parsley or mint: Bright herbs for garnish that add fresh aroma and color.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with bold citrus and herb-flavored goodness that makes each bite sing. Letting it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to a few hours if you have time) amplifies the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken onto skewers if you want that authentic souvlaki feel, or simply cook the pieces directly in a heated skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through but still juicy. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering!

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whip up the sauce by combining feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mash and stir until creamy and well blended. This sauce is an explosion of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that pairs perfectly with the souvlaki’s robust notes.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Lay down a base of your choice—fluffy rice, light quinoa, or nutty couscous—right in your bowl. Pile on the succulent chicken pieces, then scatter the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives for that signature Mediterranean crunch and tang. The vibrant colors alone make the dish a feast for the eyes.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Now, generously drizzle your spicy lemon feta sauce all over the bowl. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint to add a pop of color and a hint of brightness. Serve it warm, and get ready to dive into a bowl packed with bright, bold, and utterly satisfying flavors.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes bring life and texture to your bowls. Bright parsley or cooling mint leaves are classic choices that enhance freshness, while a few extra crumbles of feta or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving take your bowl to another level of deliciousness. Don’t skip the touch of fresh herbs—they tie all the flavors together perfectly.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are complete on their own, adding traditional sides like warm pita bread, tzatziki, or a crisp Greek salad makes your meal even more festive and fun. For something light and easy, roasted vegetables or a simple lemony cucumber salad complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the souvlaki on skewers for an informal gathering or layering ingredients in mason jars for a portable lunch option. You can also customize the grains or swap in grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant to suit your taste. No matter how you present it, the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce never fail to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, grains, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps preserve texture and flavor, so your bowls stay as fresh as possible when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, the cooked chicken freezes well inside a sealed container for up to 2 months. The fresh sauce and veggies, however, are best made fresh when you’re ready to serve as freezing can change their texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and sauce. If sauce has thickened, stir in a bit of water or lemon juice to loosen it for drizzling. This way, you’ll recapture that fresh, vibrant flavor as if just made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide more juiciness and a richer flavor, making them a fantastic option for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.

How spicy is the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce?

The sauce has a mild kick from the chili flakes, which you can easily adjust to your taste—from a gentle warmth to a more pronounced spice. Start with a small amount and add more if you love heat!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice instead of couscous, and double-check any packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes, but up to 2–4 hours. Longer marination allows flavors to penetrate deeper, but avoid over 24 hours to keep the texture tender and not mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! The bowls store well, especially when you keep the components separate. Preparing the chicken and sauce ahead can save you time, making these bowls a convenient, healthy meal option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to bring a delicious taste of the Mediterranean to your table, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce are a must-try. They’re full of vibrant flavors, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. I promise you’ll love how effortlessly fresh and satisfying this meal feels—perfect to share or savor solo!

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