Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl
This Greek-inspired bowl combines tender, marinated chicken souvlaki with a fresh, vibrant salad, creamy tzatziki, and a hearty base of rice, couscous, or quinoa. It’s a balanced, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The combination of lemon, garlic, herbs, and feta gives it an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
2–3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Base
1 cup cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
For the Toppings
½ cup tzatziki or yogurt-based cucumber sauce
1 cup chopped salad: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and Kalamata olives
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or herbs, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour for more flavor).
Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken cubes for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Bowl Base
While the chicken cooks, prepare your base: cook rice, couscous, or quinoa according to package instructions.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked base between bowls.
Top with cooked chicken, tzatziki, and the chopped salad.
Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
Serve
Serve immediately with a wedge of lemon if desired.
Tips & Variations
Chicken Options: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, or even shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Marination Time: While 10 minutes works, marinating 30–60 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
Cooking Methods: Grill, broil, or pan-sear the chicken. For skewers, thread the cubes onto soaked wooden skewers for classic souvlaki presentation.
Base Options: Swap rice, couscous, or quinoa with bulgur, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Salad Variations: Add bell peppers, radishes, or chopped spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Sauce Alternatives: Try hummus, garlic yogurt sauce, or a drizzle of lemon-olive oil vinaigrette instead of tzatziki.
Cheese Choices: Feta is classic, but goat cheese or halloumi cubes add a different texture.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately (chicken, grains, salad, sauce) in meal prep containers and assemble before serving to maintain freshness.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh dill, mint, or oregano elevate the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the chicken, grains, and salad separately and store in airtight containers. Assemble bowls just before serving to keep the salad fresh and tzatziki cool.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and proper searing.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
A: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and omit feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Q: Can I grill the chicken on skewers?
A: Absolutely. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers for a traditional souvlaki presentation.
Q: What else can I serve with this bowl?
A: Add roasted vegetables, olives, or a side of pita bread for a fuller Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1 bowl)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: ~650mg
(Values may vary depending on type of cheese, sauce, and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal. With tender, herb-marinated chicken, a fresh vegetable salad, creamy tzatziki, and a hearty grain base, it perfectly balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining friends with a Mediterranean flair.