Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce. This dish combines tender, juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a bright, creamy garlic sauce that adds a zingy kick. Served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa with crisp vegetables and briny olives, it’s a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re after a quick weekday dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend feast, these bowls are guaranteed to bring some Mediterranean sunshine to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—these ingredients are straightforward and each plays its part in building the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures you expect from a classic Greek meal. From the zesty lemon and aromatic oregano to the creamy Greek yogurt in the garlic sauce, every item adds depth and brightness.

• Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb / 450g): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy marinating and quick cooking.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): This Greek pantry staple tenderizes the meat and adds a fruity richness.
• Garlic (4 cloves total): Divided between the marinade and sauce, it offers a pungent and savory backbone.
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp) and lemon zest (1 tsp): These brighten every bite with fresh, zesty notes.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): That classic herb gives the chicken its unmistakable Greek flair.
• Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely color.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance flavors.
• Greek yogurt (½ cup): The creamy base for the garlic sauce that cools and complements the spices.
• Cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous (2 cups): Choose your preferred grain as the hearty, comforting base.
• Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Burst with juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Red onion (¼, thinly sliced): For a sharp, tangy bite.
• Kalamata olives (½ cup, optional): Bring a rich, salty depth that is iconic in Greek cuisine.
• Fresh parsley or mint: Bright herbaceous notes for garnish.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a flavor explosion. Toss those cubed chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This marinade isn’t just seasoning; it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with classic Mediterranean notes. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to a few hours if you have the time—the longer, the better for flavor.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken onto skewers for that authentic souvlaki experience, or simply cook them as bite-sized pieces in a hot grill pan or skillet. Keep the heat medium-high so you get a beautifully golden exterior while ensuring the chicken stays juicy inside. About 8 to 10 minutes is all it takes. This step is where you’ll see the magic of the marinade transforming into those irresistible grill marks and smoky aromas.

Step 3: Whip Up the Garlic Sauce

While your chicken cooks, it’s the perfect time to prepare the garlic sauce. Mix the Greek yogurt, finely minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the soul of the dish—cool and tangy with that punchy garlic that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together! Start with your cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous as a comforting base. Layer on the golden chicken souvlaki, then add crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and those salty Kalamata olives if using. Drizzle generously with the luscious garlic sauce and sprinkle fresh parsley or mint over the top for that fresh, herbal hit.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

The best part of serving these bowls is how you can personalize them with garnishes. Fresh parsley or mint adds a bright pop of color and freshness that livens up each bite. For a little extra indulgence, a squeeze of lemon juice on top just before serving amplifies the dish’s natural brightness and ties all the ingredients together.

Side Dishes

Even though the bowls are filling on their own, pairing them with classic Greek sides makes the meal even more special. Think crispy pita bread to scoop up extra sauce, or a tangy Greek salad loaded with feta and olives. A simple side of roasted vegetables or grilled zucchini also complements these bowls beautifully without overpowering their bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or make weeknight dinners feel festive, serve the chicken souvlaki skewered for that authentic vibe or offer a DIY station with bowls and all the toppings laid out so everyone can customize their own. Wrapping the chicken and veggies in warm pita with garlic sauce for handheld souvlaki wraps is another fantastic idea that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce are fantastic for meal prep. Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate prevents the chicken from getting soggy and helps maintain the fresh flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken souvlaki, though the fresh veggies and sauce are best added fresh after thawing. Wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep things juicy and flavorful.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through—avoid overcooking to keep it tender. Add fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and sauce after reheating for the best texture and taste. If you reheated your grain separately, fluff it up with a fork before assembling the bowl again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they stay juicy and tender when cooked, making your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce even more flavorful.

Is it necessary to use skewers?

Not at all. Skewers are traditional and fun but you can simply cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan or skillet in bite-sized pieces without skewers.

Can I make the garlic sauce without yogurt?

While Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, you can substitute with sour cream or labneh. For a dairy-free option, try a cashew-based sauce, though the flavor will differ slightly.

What’s the best grain to use for the bowl?

Rice, quinoa, or couscous all work beautifully, depending on your preference. Quinoa adds a nice texture and extra protein, while couscous is light and fluffy. Choose whichever you enjoy most or have on hand.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has mild warmth from paprika but is not spicy—it’s all about bright, savory, and aromatic flavors suitable for everyone. You can always add chili flakes if you want an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Sauce are one of those wonderful dishes that feel both comforting and fresh, easy and impressive all at once. The vibrant colors, zesty marinade, creamy sauce, and crisp veggies blend into a bowl that makes your taste buds sing. I’m confident once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to meals—perfect for weekday dinners or sharing with friends. So grab your ingredients, get that grill pan ready, and dive into the delicious world of Greek flavors!