Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, look no further than these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce. This dish brings tender, perfectly seasoned chicken cubes grilled to juicy perfection, paired with crisp veggies and fluffy rice, all tied together by a luscious, tangy feta sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both fresh and indulgent, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Every bite invites you to savor layers of lemony brightness, herby depth, and creamy richness that simply can’t be beaten.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly, each one playing a crucial role in making this dish sing. From the smoky, marinated chicken to the creamy, tangy feta sauce, you’ll appreciate the balance of flavors and textures that create the perfect bowl every time.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed: Using thighs adds juiciness, but breasts work well too for a leaner option.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for marinade and sauce, olive oil adds richness and helps meld flavors.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty punch that livens up the chicken and sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings that classic savory foundation to the marinade and sauce.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: A must-have herb that gives the chicken its authentic Greek flair.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the chicken’s flavor.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings essential to bring out the best in every ingredient.
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled: The star of the creamy feta sauce, providing tang and saltiness.
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a little tang, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for sauce): Balances the richness of feta and yogurt perfectly.
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce): Continues the garlicky goodness in the sauce.
• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin sauce): Adjusts the sauce consistency to your preference.
• 2 cups cooked rice: Choose your favorite base: white, brown, or even aromatic lemon rice for extra zing.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds sweet, juicy bursts of freshness.
• 1 cup chopped cucumber: Crunchy, cool contrast that balances the warm chicken.
• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers sharpness and a pop of color.
• ¼ cup kalamata olives (optional): Brings a briny depth that’s classic Greek.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Bright, herbaceous touch to finish the bowls.
• Lemon wedges: For an extra squeeze of citrus right before eating.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss in your chicken cubes and let them soak up all those bright and herby flavors for at least 20 minutes. If you have the time, marinating for up to 2 hours will give you even more depth and tenderness—definitely worth the wait!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers for that authentic souvlaki feel or cook directly in a hot skillet or grill pan. Keep the heat medium-high and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until every piece is golden brown and cooked through. The smoky spices and lemony marinade create an irresistible aroma that signals deliciousness is near.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Feta Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix together crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy. Add water one tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired pourable consistency. Season with freshly cracked black pepper—this sauce is the luscious, tangy superstar that ties everything together.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Fill bowls with a base of your cooked rice, then pile on the golden chicken souvlaki, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, thin slices of red onion, and kalamata olives if you’re using them. Drizzle generously with the creamy feta sauce and finish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges so everyone can add an extra burst of citrus if they like. Every component comes together harmoniously, making this a truly unforgettable meal.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce

Garnishes

To elevate your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce, sprinkle on more fresh parsley right before serving for a bright, fresh note. You can also add a pinch of sumac or a dash of smoked paprika to make your bowls even more colorful and flavorful. Lemon wedges are a must—they offer that essential zing that brightens every mouthful.

Side Dishes

This bowl is already quite complete, but pairing it with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread makes the meal feel extra special. A side of tzatziki or roasted vegetables also complements the creamy feta sauce and smoky chicken beautifully without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce in pita pockets for a fun handheld twist. You could also turn it into a grain salad by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl, then chilling it for a delicious, make-ahead lunch option that tastes even better the next day. Presentation with colorful bowls and fresh herbs always wins smiles at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best textures and flavors, especially for the creamy feta sauce, which you can freshen up with a little lemon juice before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken souvlaki on its own, but it’s best to keep the rice and creamy feta sauce aside, as their textures don’t always hold up well after freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Heat the rice separately, and drizzle the creamy feta sauce cold or warmed slightly on top after reheating—the contrast of warm and cool adds to the dish’s charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually preferred for their juicy, tender texture and richer flavor, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner protein.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

At least 20 minutes is needed for good flavor penetration, but up to 2 hours is ideal for deeper taste and tenderness. Avoid marinating much longer as the lemon juice can start to break down the texture too much.

Is it possible to make the creamy feta sauce dairy-free?

You can swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, and use a dairy-free feta substitute. The texture and tanginess might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Can I prepare these bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Keep ingredients separate until ready to assemble to preserve freshness, especially the creamy feta sauce and fresh veggies.

What’s the best rice to use for this dish?

White jasmine or basmati rice is lovely for its fluffiness and subtle aroma, but brown rice or lemon-infused rice bring added texture and layers of flavor. Use whatever suits your taste and pantry!

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce are a sunshine-packed meal that’s easy to make but full of layers to love. Whether for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner with friends, the vibrant ingredients and creamy sauce create a harmony you’ll want to revisit often. Give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite way to bring a little bit of Greece into your kitchen.