Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl (Quick & Best)
A fresh and flavorful Mediterranean bowl with juicy marinated chicken, rice or pita, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Marinate: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl Base
Choose one:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- quinoa
- couscous
- warm pita bread
Fresh Bowl Toppings
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce or romaine
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl combine:
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic
- oregano
- paprika
- cumin
- salt
- pepper
Add chicken and toss well.
Cover and marinate:
- at least 30 minutes
- up to overnight for deeper flavor
2. Make the Tzatziki
Mix together:
- Greek yogurt
- grated cucumber
- garlic
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- dill
- salt and pepper
Chill in refrigerator until serving.
3. Cook the Chicken
Skillet Method
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken:
- 4–5 minutes per side
until golden and cooked through.
Chicken is fully cooked at:
165∘F=74∘C165^\circ F = 74^\circ C
Grill Method
Thread chicken onto skewers and grill:
- 10–12 minutes
turning occasionally.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Add rice or pita to bowls.
Top with:
- chicken souvlaki
- cucumber
- tomatoes
- onions
- lettuce
- olives
- feta cheese
Finish with:
- tzatziki sauce
- extra lemon wedges
- drizzle of olive oil
Optional Add-Ons
- hummus
- pickled onions
- roasted chickpeas
- avocado
- spicy feta dip
Quick Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate chicken the night before
- Store toppings separately
- Keeps well in refrigerator for 3–4 days
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- warm pita bread
- lemon rice
- roasted potatoes
- Greek salad
Flavor Variations
Spicy Greek Bowl
Add:
- chili flakes
- harissa
- spicy yogurt drizzle
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with:
- cauliflower rice
- extra lettuce
Extra Mediterranean Flavor
Add:
- artichokes
- sun-dried tomatoes
- roasted red peppers
