If you’re craving a dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors and makes weeknight dinners feel extra special, you’re about to fall in love with this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Juicy, marinated chicken cubes grilled to perfection sit atop a bed of wholesome brown rice or fluffy couscous, surrounded by a colorful garden of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. The creamy homemade tzatziki sauce adds that cool and tangy touch that brings everything together into one unforgettable meal. It’s simple, bright, and incredibly satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of simple, staple ingredients that each play an essential role. Each component layers in unique taste, texture, and color, turning few elements into a feast for both the eyes and palate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: Perfect for quick, even cooking and soaking up the marinade.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps all those herbs and spices cling to the chicken beautifully.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the marinade with a fresh, zesty pop.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic bite that’s unmistakable in Greek cooking.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic herb that lends earthiness and authenticity.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every flavor.
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or couscous: A wholesome base to soak up all the delicious juices.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and crunch.
- 1 cucumber, sliced: Refreshing and crisp to lighten the bowl.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Briny punch that perfectly balances the fresh veggies.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Herbaceous freshness for garnish and flavor boost.
- Feta cheese, crumbled, for topping: Creamy, salty finish that takes every bite to the next level.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: The perfect creamy base for the tzatziki sauce.
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained: Adds moisture and crunch to the sauce without watering it down.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: For that unmistakable garlicky kick in the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Smooths out the tzatziki and adds richness.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped: Aromatic herb that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Brings just the right amount of tang to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season to enhance every flavor in the tzatziki.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well blended and fragrant. Toss your chicken cubes into this mix, making sure every piece gets thoroughly coated. Marinating for at least 30 minutes lets those bold Mediterranean flavors seep deep into the chicken, promising juicy, flavor-packed bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
While the chicken soaks up those tasty flavors, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Getting your cooking surface hot is key to achieving that beautiful char and smoky flavor that makes souvlaki so irresistible. A grill pan works wonderfully if you don’t have an outdoor grill, adding those classic grill marks right to your stovetop.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers to keep everything together while grilling. Place them on the hot grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides are evenly cooked and caramelized. The chicken should be tender, slightly crisp at the edges, and cooked through. That smoky aroma at this stage is one of the best parts of serving your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken grills, whip up your homemade tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until creamy and well incorporated, then chill in the fridge to let all those bright and cooling flavors meld together perfectly. This sauce is the magic that brings fresh balance to the savory grilled chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Lay your base with warm, fluffy brown rice or couscous in a sizable bowl. Artfully arrange grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley on top. Drizzle generously with the homemade tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. What you have here is not just a bowl of food but a vibrant, wholesome meal that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Don’t wait too long to dig in once your bowls are prepped. The best flavors come from savoring the grilled chicken warm and the cool tzatziki right out of the fridge. This balance of temperature and texture is why this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe shines as a perfect Mediterranean dinner option, especially when you want something fresh, filling, and bursting with every bite.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a handful of crumbled feta on top of your bowls adds a creamy, tangy dimension that’s simply irresistible. Fresh parsley not only contributes a beautiful splash of green but also a hint of herbal brightness that livens up every mouthful. A lemon wedge on the side encourages extra citrusy zest, perfect for those who want a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
This dish does well as a hearty standalone meal, but pairing it with light, Mediterranean-inspired sides can elevate your dinner further. Consider serving alongside warm pita bread for scooping up extra tzatziki or a simple Greek salad to complement the flavors without overwhelming your plate. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade will round off the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or add variety, try assembling these bowls in mason jars for a portable, picnic-ready meal. Layer the rice or couscous on the bottom, followed by the grilled chicken and veggies, topping everything with tzatziki just before serving. Alternatively, swap the rice base for a vibrant bed of mixed greens to keep it light and fresh, or even use quinoa to up the protein content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe, store components separately for the best texture. Keep grilled chicken, rice or couscous, and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store tzatziki sauce in a separate small container to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The grilled chicken cubes freeze beautifully, so if you want to prep in advance, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to two months. Rice or couscous can also be frozen, but fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce are best prepared fresh for texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to the rice if needed. Keep the tzatziki chilled and spoon it over the warm ingredients just before eating to enjoy the cool creaminess and fresh flavors as intended in the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a richer flavor, making them a great alternative. Just adjust grilling time slightly if the pieces are thicker to ensure they cook through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a satisfying vegetarian bowl that still captures those delicious Greek flavors.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum to get good flavor penetration, marinating for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge will deepen the taste even more and tenderize the chicken wonderfully.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Just keep it well covered and chilled.
What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have skewers?
No skewers? No problem! You can grill the marinated chicken cubes directly on the grill pan or a grill basket. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently to cook evenly and avoid losing pieces through the grates.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is truly a gem for anyone wanting a meal that tastes like a sunny Mediterranean getaway without leaving their kitchen. It’s approachable, vibrant, and full of delightful contrasts — from warm, smoky chicken to bright, creamy tzatziki and crisp veggies. Give it a try soon; I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners for enjoying big flavors with simple ingredients!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Sauce are a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean dinner option featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers served over a bed of brown rice or couscous, topped with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This easy recipe combines bold flavors and wholesome ingredients for a delicious, well-balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or couscous
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled, for topping
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken skewers.
- Thread and Grill the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken grills, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to use.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice or couscous among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken skewers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Tzatziki and Feta: Drizzle each bowl generously with the chilled tzatziki sauce, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Serve: Serve the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls immediately, enjoying the fresh Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures.
Notes
- To save time, marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven as alternatives.
- Drain the grated cucumber well with a towel or strainer to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute the rice or couscous with cauliflower rice.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
