Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Yogurt Dill Sauce:
These Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki bowls are fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Juicy marinated chicken is served over a base of rice, quinoa, or couscous, then topped with crisp veggies, olives, feta, and a creamy yogurt dill sauce. It’s a wholesome and balanced meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Time:
Prep: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Yogurt Dill Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) in the fridge.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
Prepare the Yogurt Dill Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble the Bowls
Add a base of rice, quinoa, or couscous to each bowl.
Top with cooked chicken souvlaki, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
Drizzle with yogurt dill sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm.
Tips & Variations
Protein Swap: Try lamb, beef, shrimp, or even tofu or halloumi instead of chicken for a different spin.
Grilling Option: Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill them outdoors for that classic smoky souvlaki flavor.
Base Options: Use brown rice, farro, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of leafy greens instead of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Veggie Additions: Roasted red peppers, artichokes, or zucchini make great extras in the bowl.
Dairy-Free: Skip the feta and use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken marinade or yogurt sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store chicken, grains, veggies, and sauce separately. Assemble when ready to eat to keep everything fresh.
Extra Creaminess: Add a spoonful of hummus or baba ganoush to the bowl for another layer of Mediterranean flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill for the sauce?
A: Dried dill works (use about 1 teaspoon), or you can substitute with parsley or mint for a fresh twist.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Swap the chicken with grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or falafel for a hearty vegetarian version.
Q: How do I keep the onions from being too strong?
A: Soak sliced red onion in cold water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making the sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought tzatziki works well if you want to save time.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4)
Calories: ~480
Protein: ~34g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~5g
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on portion sizes and ingredients used.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Yogurt Dill Sauce are a fresh, balanced, and flavorful way to enjoy classic Greek flavors in an easy, modern bowl format. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, crisp veggies, and hearty grains, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a wholesome dinner. It’s customizable, satisfying, and sure to become a regular in your Mediterranean recipe rotation.