Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, then Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce are going to become your new favorite go-to. This dish brilliantly combines juicy, herb-marinated chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce that sings of sunshine and summer. What makes these bowls so special is the harmony of textures and tastes—from the tender, grilled chicken and fluffy rice to the crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and that lush lemon yogurt drizzle. It’s a complete, satisfying bowl that feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even entertaining friends with something a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of fresh, exciting flavors and textures. From the zesty lemon juice that brightens everything up to the smoky paprika that adds warmth, every component has a starring part.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option; cut into chunks for easy grilling.
- Olive oil: A staple in Greek cooking, it adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
- Lemon juice: Provides a sharp, citrusy punch that infuses the chicken and yogurt sauce with refreshment.
- Garlic: Minced for marinade and grated for sauce, it brings a bright, savory depth.
- Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that brings authentic, earthy notes.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a hint of warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance flavors.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it forms the base of the luscious lemon yogurt sauce.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor in the sauce, making it vibrant and aromatic.
- Basmati or jasmine rice: Fluffy grains that soak up the sauce and round out the bowl perfectly.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and add a juicy contrast.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, a cooling partner to the spiced chicken.
- Red onion: Thin slices bring a bit of bite and color to every forkful.
- Fresh parsley: Bright green herb for garnish, lifting the entire dish with herbal freshness.
- Optional Kalamata olives: For a briny, salty kick that feels decadent and totally Greek.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start with the marinade that kicks off this entire dish’s incredible flavor. Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this fragrant mix to coat thoroughly. Letting the chicken soak up these bright, herbal flavors for at least 30 minutes allows the meat to become tender and deeply imbued with that unmistakable Mediterranean spirit.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up a grill pan or skillet until it’s nicely hot. The chicken goes on, sizzling to create a beautiful golden crust while locking in the juices inside. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes depending on your heat, until the chicken is fully cooked through and aromatic. Those gorgeous grill marks and that hint of char will have your mouth watering already.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, mix up your luscious lemon yogurt sauce. Combine creamy Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, olive oil, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and silky—this sauce is the zesty, cooling finish that complements the smoky chicken perfectly and ties the entire dish together in a creamy, citrusy hug.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
To build the perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce, start by spooning fluffy cooked rice into each bowl as your base layer. Next, pile on the grilled chicken chunks, then scatter halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thin red onion slices. Drizzle generously with the vibrant lemon yogurt sauce, sprinkle chopped parsley, and throw in Kalamata olives if you want that extra punch of briny goodness. Serve immediately and get ready to dig into a bowl packed full of sunshine flavors and textures.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes truly elevate these bowls. A handful of chopped parsley not only adds a lovely burst of color but also brightens flavor with its vibrant herbal notes. For an extra authentic touch, add a few Kalamata olives—those deep purple, briny bites complement the creamy sauce and grilled chicken perfectly. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top can bring an additional fresh zing that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
These bowls are wonderfully complete on their own, but if you want to expand your meal, consider serving with warm pita bread for scooping up every last bit. A side Greek salad with feta, olives, and crisp greens can add a refreshing crunch and complexity. Roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers also pair beautifully for a Mediterranean feast full of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a dinner or meal prepping for the week? Try delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce served in mason jars layered with rice, chicken, and veggies for a portable, fuss-free lunch option. Alternatively, serve the chicken on skewers atop the bowl for a fun souvlaki-inspired presentation that reminds you of dining in a traditional Greek taverna. No matter your style, these bowls offer endless ways to get creative while keeping it fresh and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce keep well for up to 3 days when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the lemon yogurt sauce separate if possible to prevent the rice and veggies from getting soggy, then add the sauce fresh before serving again for that creamy, tangy finishing touch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze components, the cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly. The rice also freezes fine, but fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes do not freeze well and are best added fresh when serving. Freeze the chicken and rice in separate containers for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving the fresh vegetables and onions so they stay crisp, and always add the lemon yogurt sauce fresh after reheating to keep its bright, creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for these bowls?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually great for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce because they stay juicier and more flavorful during cooking, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the lemon yogurt sauce?
Greek yogurt gives the sauce its signature creamy thickness and tangy flavor, but if you don’t have any, plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to thicken it can be a good substitute.
Can I make these bowls vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for grilled marinated tofu, tempeh, or even hearty roasted vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, and use a plant-based yogurt to recreate that lovely lemon yogurt sauce.
How long can I marinate the chicken for?
You can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge. Avoid longer than that as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the meat and change its texture.
What kind of rice works best for these bowls?
Basmati or jasmine rice are ideal choices because of their fluffy texture and fragrant aroma, which complement the fresh, bright flavors of the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting and fresh about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Lemon Yogurt Sauce that you’ll want to keep these bowls in your regular rotation. They’re easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors that feel celebratory any day of the week. Once you try them, you’ll understand why this dish quickly becomes a beloved classic to share with family and friends!
