Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki
These bowls bring together everything you love about Greek flavors: juicy marinated chicken, tangy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and briny feta and olives, all layered over hearty grains. They’re healthy, colorful, and perfect for meal prep or a fresh weeknight dinner.
Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating)
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Assembly:
2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
Pickled red onions (about ½ cup)
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup olives (Kalamata or green)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge).
Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked through.
Make the tzatziki
In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and chill until ready to use.
Assemble the bowls
Divide cooked grains among serving bowls.
Top with chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, pickled onions, and feta.
Drizzle generously with tzatziki and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve
Enjoy immediately, or pack into containers for meal prep.
Tips
Marinate longer for more flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge.
Squeeze cucumber well for tzatziki: Too much liquid can make the sauce watery, so use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to press out the excess moisture.
Use a hot pan or grill: A good sear gives the chicken that classic souvlaki char.
Meal prep friendly: Store chicken, grains, and toppings separately. Add tzatziki just before eating to keep everything fresh.
Warm the grains: Serving the rice or quinoa slightly warm makes the whole bowl feel more comforting.
Variations
Protein swap: Try chicken thighs, shrimp, lamb, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Different bases: Use couscous, farro, cauliflower rice, or even pita bread instead of rice/quinoa.
Extra veggies: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for more Mediterranean flair.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken marinade or top the bowl with a drizzle of harissa.
Herb twist: Swap dill in the tzatziki for mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken, grains, and toppings in separate containers. Add tzatziki just before serving so it stays fresh.
Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of a pan?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Q: What if I don’t have pickled onions?
A: You can use thinly sliced fresh red onion, but quick-pickled onions add a nice tang that balances the creamy tzatziki.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Yes—swap the chicken for crispy chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~430
Protein: 33g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Calcium: 180mg
(Values are approximate and vary with portion size and ingredients.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are fresh, colorful, and satisfying. The juicy marinated chicken pairs beautifully with tangy tzatziki, briny feta, and crisp veggies over a hearty grain base. They’re versatile enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests, and easy to adapt with different proteins or bases. Perfect for a wholesome, balanced meal with bold Mediterranean flavors.