Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and feels like a warm embrace on your plate, look no further than these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce. This dish perfectly balances tender, lemony grilled chicken with the refreshing tang of herb-infused tzatziki, all served atop fluffy grains and colorful fresh toppings. It’s a wholesome, beautifully balanced bowl that brings the sunshine of Greece right into your kitchen, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce starts with some simple, fresh ingredients that together create a symphony of flavors. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s the bright lemon zest, the fragrant oregano, or the creamy herbed tzatziki that ties everything together with a cool finish.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking and juicy texture.
• Olive oil: Adds rich fruitiness and helps marinate the chicken for tender results.
• Lemon zest and juice: Provides zesty brightness that lifts all the savory flavors.
• Garlic: Infuses the chicken and sauce with a warm, aromatic kick.
• Dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herbal note essential to Greek cuisine.
• Smoked paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness that deepens the chicken’s flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all other ingredients.
• Cooked rice, quinoa, or orzo: Serves as the satisfying base to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Greek yogurt: The creamy foundation for the herbed tzatziki sauce, adding tang and richness.
• Cucumber: Grated and squeezed to keep the tzatziki cool and refreshing without excess water.
• Fresh dill and parsley: Bright green herbs that lift the sauce with fresh, vibrant notes.
• Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta bring extra color and traditional flavors.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade will infuse the chicken cubes with that unmistakable Greek flavor. Toss the chicken pieces in and make sure every piece is well coated. Give it at least 30 minutes to soak in all those delicious notes—it’s worth the wait, promise!

Step 2: Cook Your Grain Base

While the chicken marinates, prepare your grain base. Whether you choose fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or tender orzo, cooking them according to package instructions ensures a perfect foundation for your bowl. Each grain offers a slightly different texture and taste, so pick your favorite or what’s on hand.

Step 3: Whip Up the Herbed Tzatziki Sauce

The star of the sauce is Greek yogurt, combined with grated cucumber that’s been squeezed dry to prevent watery tzatziki. Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy, then chill until mealtime. The cold, herby tzatziki adds an irresistible freshness that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat—it needs to be hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken cubes. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so they get evenly golden and cooked through. The smoky notes will deepen here, making every bite more savory and tender.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Layer your cooked grains into bowls, top with the perfectly grilled chicken cubes, and add any optional bowl add-ins like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Finally, drizzle generously with herbed tzatziki sauce. The colors, textures, and flavors create a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Brighten up your bowl with fresh herb sprigs like dill or parsley on top to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of extra freshness. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the herbed tzatziki sauce. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side — a quick squeeze just before eating adds an extra burst of brightness.

Side Dishes

These bowls hold up wonderfully on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving alongside lightly grilled pita bread for scooping, or a simple Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives dressed in lemon and olive oil. Another great choice would be roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to keep things colorful and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

For an entertaining twist, serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce family-style by placing all components in separate bowls and letting everyone build their own creation. Alternatively, try wrapping the grilled chicken and toppings in warm pita bread for classic souvlaki wraps that you can take on the go. For a lighter take, assemble the ingredients over a bed of leafy greens to turn it into a vibrant Greek-inspired salad bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, grains, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of each component, ensuring your leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The grilled chicken cubes freeze well for up to 2 months; just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. However, the herbed tzatziki sauce is best fresh and should not be frozen as it can separate and lose its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm throughout. Warm your grains separately to prevent them from becoming too dry. Add a fresh dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce right before serving to recapture that fresh, tangy creaminess that makes the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce so special.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer dark meat—they tend to be juicier and have more flavor. Just cut them into similar sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

Is there a vegetarian version of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce?

Yes! You can swap the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, marinated tofu, or even charred veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. The herbed tzatziki sauce remains the perfect cooling complement.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is the minimum, letting the chicken marinate for a couple of hours (or even overnight) will deepen the flavors and make it more tender. Just be sure to refrigerate while marinating.

Can I make the herbed tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce actually benefits from some resting time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving.

What grains work best in these bowls?

Rice, quinoa, or orzo all work wonderfully depending on your preference. Each brings its own texture and flavor profile, so feel free to switch it up based on what you’re craving or what’s in your pantry.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so rewarding about crafting a dish as colorful, flavorful, and enjoyable as Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Tzatziki Sauce. It’s a meal that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to pull off anytime. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe invites you into the joyful world of fresh Mediterranean cooking. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal spin to these wonderfully vibrant bowls.