This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl is a fast, flavorful Mediterranean meal with juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, fluffy rice (or low-carb option), and a creamy tzatziki-style sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Chicken Souvlaki
- 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional but flavorful)
🍚 Bowl Base (choose one)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) 🍚
OR - 2 cups cauliflower rice 🥦 (low-carb option)
- OR quinoa for extra protein
🥗 Fresh Veggies
- 1 cucumber, diced 🥒
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- ½ cup Kalamata olives 🫒
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped (optional)
🥣 Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill 🌿
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🌿 Optional Toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges 🍋
- Extra olive oil drizzle
- Crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️
🔪 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl mix:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin (optional)
Add chicken and toss well.
⏳ Marinate:
- Minimum: 30 minutes
- Best: 2–8 hours (overnight for maximum flavor)
🥣 Step 2: Make Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate cucumber.
- Squeeze out excess water using a cloth or paper towel.
- In a bowl combine:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dill
- Salt & pepper
Mix well and refrigerate.
💡 Chill improves flavor and thickness.
🔥 Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Skillet Method (Quick)
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Chicken is done when:
- Golden brown outside
- Juices run clear
- Internal temp: 165°F (74°C)
Grill Method (Authentic)
- Skewer chicken cubes
- Grill 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally
🥗 Step 4: Prepare Bowl Ingredients
While chicken cooks:
- Chop cucumber 🥒
- Halve tomatoes 🍅
- Slice onions 🧅
- Prepare rice or cauliflower rice 🍚
🍽️ Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
In each bowl layer:
1️⃣ Base
- Rice or cauliflower rice
2️⃣ Protein
- Greek chicken souvlaki
3️⃣ Veggies
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Olives
4️⃣ Sauce
- Generous drizzle of tzatziki 🥣
5️⃣ Finish
- Feta cheese
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon squeeze
🌟 Optional Upgrades
🧄 Garlic Lover Version
- Add extra garlic to marinade and tzatziki
🌶️ Spicy Greek Bowl
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce
🥑 Creamy Bowl
- Add sliced avocado
🫓 Pita Bowl Style
- Serve with warm pita bread
🧊 Storage
- Chicken: refrigerate up to 4 days
- Tzatziki: best within 3 days
- Veggies: store separately for freshness
- Rice: refrigerate up to 4 days
📊 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 🔥 Calories: 420–520
- 🍗 Protein: 35–45 g
- 🥑 Fat: 18–25 g
- 🌾 Carbs: 25–35 g (depends on base)
