Name: Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 small cucumber, finely grated and drained; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tsp lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish; Lemon wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that feels both fresh and satisfying, look no further than these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine from juicy grilled chicken, tangy tzatziki blended with creamy feta, and crisp veggies, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This dish is an irresistible balance of zesty, creamy, and savory elements that come together effortlessly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for weekend gatherings.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of fresh and simple ingredients is all it takes to create the magic in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce. Each item plays an essential role in building the authentic flavors and textures that make this dish a memorable meal.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing marinade and grilling to perfection.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that lifts every component.
Garlic cloves: Provide aromatic depth and a punch of flavor throughout.
Dried oregano: Offers that distinctive earthy herb note classic in Greek dishes.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and hints of smoky character.
Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the tzatziki feta sauce for cool richness.
Feta cheese: Crumbled into the sauce, it brings salty tang and creamy texture.
Cucumber: Grated for the sauce and diced fresh in the bowls to add freshness and crunch.
Fresh dill: Infuses a bright, herbal note that feels homey and light.
Cherry tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and color contrast.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, crisp bite that complements the other flavors.
Kalamata olives: Briny accents that bring authenticity and a pop of flavor.
Cooked rice or quinoa: Acts as the wholesome, fluffy base for layering all ingredients.
Fresh parsley or additional dill: For final garnishing, adding freshness and visual appeal.
Lemon wedges: To squeeze over at serving time, enhancing brightness with every bite.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce

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 bowl. Then toss in the chicken thigh pieces, making sure each one is generously coated. Letting the chicken soak up these vibrant flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is what gives it that irresistible depth and zest once grilled.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Warm up a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then lay the marinated chicken pieces down. Cooking them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while acquiring that smoky, savory exterior that is signature to souvlaki.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Feta Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, finely grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This luscious sauce is the heart and soul of your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce, bringing cooling creaminess and a bold, tangy punch that perfectly complements the grilled meat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide your cooked rice or quinoa between bowls as a fluffy foundation. Then add the grilled chicken on top, followed by colorful layers of halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. Finally, drizzle the bright, creamy tzatziki feta sauce generously over everything to unify the flavors and textures elegantly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley or dill for that beautiful herbal lift and pop of green. Serve each bowl with a wedge of lemon on the side, ready for squeezing over the top to add an extra layer of fresh zesty brightness to your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill not only adds wonderful color and an herbal aroma but also complements the cool tang from the tzatziki sauce beautifully. A wedge of lemon on each plate invites everyone to customize their brightness level exactly to their liking.

Side Dishes

While the bowls themselves are a complete meal, pairing them with warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad with crisp lettuce, olives, and feta makes for a meal that feels fully Mediterranean. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant also work nicely as a hearty yet light side option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the components deconstructed on a large platter so everyone can build their own bowls. Another idea is to stuff the grilled chicken and toppings inside warm pita pockets for a portable lunch or picnic. Whichever way you choose, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce are always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any unused grilled chicken and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce apart from the chicken helps maintain the best textures and flavors when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the grilled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to two months. The tzatziki feta sauce is best made fresh, as freezing can alter its texture and freshness.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh tzatziki feta sauce just before serving to preserve that creamy, cooling contrast that defines this dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may be less juicy than thighs. Just be careful not to overcook to keep the meat tender and flavorful.

Is quinoa a good substitute for rice in these bowls?

Yes, quinoa is a fantastic alternative that adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, making your bowls even more nutritious and hearty.

How can I make the tzatziki feta sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to freshen up the consistency.

Can I grill the chicken outdoors instead of using a pan?

Definitely! Grilling outdoors adds wonderful smoky flavors that enhance the souvlaki, perfect for warm weather cooking.

What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?

You can substitute with green olives or capers for a similar salty, briny punch, though Kalamata olives provide the most authentic flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about serving up Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Feta Sauce that brings warmth and sunshine to any table. This recipe’s bright, bold flavors and satisfying textures are sure to become a favorite you reach for again and again. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll love how easily it comes together and how deliciously it tastes every single time.