Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and that unmistakable Mediterranean charm, look no further than these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a bright, garlicky yogurt sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of lemon, oregano, and paprika, balanced by the cool, creamy sauce and crisp vegetables, making it a perfect bowl for lunch or dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to capturing the authentic taste that makes Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce so irresistible. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the juicy chicken soaking up a vibrant marinade or the fresh vegetables adding the perfect crunch and color.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: choose thighs for juicier texture or breasts for leaner protein, cut into bite-size chunks.
• Olive oil: the foundation for both the marinade and the sauce, lending richness and a fruity aroma.
• Fresh lemon juice: adds brightness and a subtle tang that awakens the palate.
• Garlic: minced for the marinade and grated for the sauce, infusing every component with warm, savory notes.
• Dried oregano: a classic Greek herb that gives the chicken its signature herbal depth.
• Paprika and ground cumin: provide smoky and earthy layers to the marinade’s flavor profile.
• Greek yogurt: creates a velvety, creamy sauce that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
• Fresh dill or parsley (optional): introduces a fresh herbal lift to the garlic yogurt sauce.
• Rice or quinoa: a warm, satisfying base that soaks up the sauce and accents the bowl’s texture.
• Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion: these fresh vegetables contribute crispness, color, and a hint of natural sweetness.
• Kalamata olives or crumbled feta (optional): traditional toppings that add salty, briny goodness.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is where all those beautiful Mediterranean flavors come alive. Toss your chicken pieces until they’re fully coated, then let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be—overnight is ideal if you have time.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for a great sear that locks in juices and creates a tantalizing char. Cook the marinated chicken chunks for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches safe levels. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes once cooked, which helps retain its juices, then slice into bite-sized pieces, ready to crown your bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Whisk together creamy Greek yogurt with freshly grated garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If you want to brighten it further, stir in some chopped fresh dill or parsley. This sauce is the star accompaniment to the souvlaki, providing a cooling, garlicky creaminess that balances the smoky chicken and fresh veggies perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Start by dividing your warm cooked rice or quinoa among serving bowls. Top with the sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Feel free to add Kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese for that authentic Greek touch. Finally, drizzle the luscious garlic yogurt sauce over the top for that perfect finishing element.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Garnishes

Garnishing your bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds a vibrant pop of green and an herbal fragrance that complements the dish exquisitely. Adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or a few whole Kalamata olives gives a salty, briny contrast that is wonderfully satisfying with each bite.

Side Dishes

While these bowls shine on their own, pairing them with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread can elevate the meal. The crisp textures and refreshing flavors of a salad help balance the richness of the chicken and sauce. Pita bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and bits, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce even more special, try serving everything deconstructed on a large platter for a build-your-own approach. This invites everyone at the table to customize their bowl exactly as they please. For a colorful twist, use multi-colored quinoa or a grain medley as the base to add extra texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and sauce store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh texture and flavor. The vegetables can stay crisp if you store them separately as well.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked marinated chicken pieces in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It’s best not to freeze the garlic yogurt sauce as it may separate, but you can easily whip up a fresh batch as needed.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook it, which can dry it out. Warm your rice or quinoa separately and then assemble your bowl, topping with fresh or gently warmed garlic yogurt sauce for the best flavor and texture combination.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and can be used interchangeably; just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Is there a vegetarian option for the chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms or even use grilled halloumi cheese to keep that Mediterranean flavor while making it vegetarian.

How long can I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

While 30 minutes is enough to develop nice flavor, marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the taste and tenderizes the meat perfectly.

Can I prepare the garlic yogurt sauce in advance?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just stir it before serving, as the garlic flavor will deepen overnight.

What grains work best as the base for these bowls?

Rice and quinoa are both excellent choices; rice offers a familiar hearty base, while quinoa adds protein and a slightly nutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Garlic Yogurt Sauce—the way the juicy, herbaceous chicken meets fresh veggies and that dreamy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and treat yourself to a taste of Greece right at home—you won’t regret it!