Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce is exactly what you need. This dish brings tender, marinated chicken cubes grilled to perfection, paired with a fresh, colorful base of rice and veggies, and topped off by a uniquely zesty, spicy lemon feta sauce that ties every bite together with creamy, tangy, and fiery notes. It’s a bowl that’s not only beautiful to look at but also irresistible to eat, making it an all-time favorite to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color. These simple but essential elements come together to create a classic and wholesome Greek experience that’s easy to prepare at home.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cubes ensure quick, even cooking and a juicy texture.
• Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and a fruity richness essential for marinating and the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Brings brightness that marinates the chicken and zests up the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth in both marinade and sauce.
• Dried oregano: Classic herbaceous note that defines Greek flavors perfectly.
• Smoked paprika and ground cumin: Subtle smoky warmth and earthy undertones in the chicken marinade.
• Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance all the layers of flavor.
• Basmati rice or quinoa: Fluffy, fragrant base for soaking up juices.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
• Cucumber: Adds cool crunch and freshness.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for sharp, crisp bites.
• Kalamata olives: Salty, briny contrast with a deep purple hue.
• Fresh parsley: Bright green herb to finish and refresh the bowl.
• Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy richness for the spicy lemon feta sauce.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and balances heat.
• Chili flakes: Give the sauce its signature spicy kick.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss in the cubed chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated with this fragrant blend. Letting the chicken soak in these flavors for at least 30 minutes allows the lemon’s acidity to tenderize the meat and the herbs and spices to infuse deeply, setting the foundation for irresistibly tasty souvlaki.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers—if you use wooden ones, remember to soak them beforehand to prevent burning. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat or cook the chicken cubes in a hot skillet for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Watch as the chicken develops a beautiful golden char and becomes juicy on the inside. Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensures the chicken is perfectly safe and succulent.

Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, minced garlic, and a dash of black pepper into a small bowl. Stir everything together until creamy but with just a slight texture from the cheese. This sauce is the soul of the dish, delivering a luscious creaminess enhanced by lemon’s brightness and the perfect amount of spice that makes every bite exciting.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Divide your chosen base of fluffy basmati rice or light quinoa into serving bowls. Arrange the grilled chicken souvlaki on top, then scatter fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, thin slices of red onion, briny kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley over everything. This layering creates a colorful, inviting presentation that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

The final flourish is spooning the spicy lemon feta sauce generously over the entire bowl. This step brings all the flavors into harmony and amps up the overall indulgence factor. Serve immediately, with extra lemon wedges on the side if you want to add some extra zing. Trust me, this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to become a repeat request at your table.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce

Garnishes

Feel free to top your bowl with a handful of freshly chopped mint or dill to add an herbal brightness that complements the spicy lemon feta sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds also adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty dimension.

Side Dishes

This bowl packed with flavors stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to build a full Greek-inspired meal, consider pairing it with warm pita bread brushed with olive oil or a fresh tzatziki dip for creamy cucumber coolness. A crisp Greek salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant also complement the bowl’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish deconstructed for a build-your-own bowl approach at gatherings, letting guests customize with extra spicy lemon feta sauce or chopped veggies. Alternatively, use lettuce leaves or grilled flatbreads to create handheld souvlaki wraps, perfect for picnics or casual meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover components separately in airtight containers. The chicken souvlaki and sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, while fresh veggies and cooked rice or quinoa last about 2 to 3 days for best texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the chicken for future meals, it’s best to do so before assembling the bowl, wrapping the cooked souvlaki tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. The chicken will stay good for up to 2 months frozen, but the fresh veggies and sauce are best made fresh to maintain flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, taking care not to overcook it and dry it out. You can reheat the rice or quinoa similarly. For the spicy lemon feta sauce, serve it cold or at room temperature for the best creamy texture and flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content, making your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce even richer and more tender.

Is it necessary to use skewers for the chicken?

No, skewers are traditional and help with grilling, but you can simply cook the marinated chicken cubes directly in a skillet or on a grill pan. Just turn the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char.

How spicy is the lemon feta sauce?

The chili flakes add a pleasant spicy kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less according to your taste. The creamy yogurt and feta help mellow the spice, creating a balanced flavor.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, using basmati rice or quinoa as the bowl base makes this dish naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that all your ingredients, like certain brands of feta or yogurt, do not contain added gluten.

What’s the best way to serve this dish for a dinner party?

For a dinner party, consider plating individual Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce beautifully garnished, or provide a buffet-style spread with all components so guests can create their own bowls. This allows for easy customization and adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.

Final Thoughts

Making the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl with Spicy Lemon Feta Sauce is like inviting a little piece of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. It combines simplicity with stunning flavors and textures in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. I promise once you try it, this bowl will be a bright, bold staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the vibrant tastes of Greece in every delicious bite!