If you have ever craved a vibrant, healthy meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, then this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining juicy, aromatic chicken cubes with fresh vegetables, fluffy grains, and a luscious, tangy feta sauce, this dish is a celebration of textures and tastes that feels both comforting and refreshingly light. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something special, these bowls deliver on every level and will have you savoring every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are truly the heart of this recipe, each playing a crucial role in building layers of fresh, lively flavors and appealing colors. From the zesty lemon juice to the fragrant oregano, every component enhances the dish’s authentic Greek charm in an easy and accessible way.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 ½ lbs): The perfect lean protein that soaks up all the marinade flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp): Adds richness and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while grilling.
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Brings that classic bright, tart note essential to Mediterranean cuisine.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced + 1 small grated): Imparts a warm pungency, enhancing both chicken and sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): A signature Greek herb that adds earthy and slightly bitter undertones.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Provides mild smoky depth and a vibrant hue.
- Salt and black pepper: Basics to balance and season all ingredients to perfection.
- Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): A wholesome base that soaks up the sauce, making the bowl filling and nutritious.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Fresh sweetness and juicy bursts that contrast beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds crisp texture and cooling freshness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Offers a tangy crunch to balance the creamy elements.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the entire dish with a fresh herbal aroma.
- Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Central to the creamy feta sauce, it enriches the creamy texture and introduces a salty tang.
- Plain Greek yogurt (â…“ cup): Makes the feta sauce smooth and luscious, lending healthy creaminess.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavorful Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This vibrant marinade is the foundation of the dish, infusing the chicken with those unmistakable Greek flavors that will make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing everything to coat each piece thoroughly. Letting it sit for at least 20 minutes ensures the chicken soaks up all the zesty, herbaceous goodness, which makes all the difference when it’s time to cook.
Step 3: Heat the Grill Pan or Skillet
Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. A nicely heated pan will sear the chicken perfectly, locking in juices and creating a mouthwatering golden crust that’s full of flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Until Perfect
Place the marinated chicken cubes on the pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to reach a beautiful golden color and ensure it’s cooked through, tender, and bursting with savory depth.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Feta Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until the sauce is silky and smooth, delivering a tangy and creamy finish that’s simply addictive.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly among your serving bowls, creating a hearty and wholesome base to carry the layers of flavor.
Step 7: Add Fresh Vegetables
Top each bowl with the golden grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh veggies bring brightness and crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the feta sauce.
Step 8: Drizzle with Creamy Feta Sauce
Generously spoon the creamy feta sauce over each bowl, allowing it to mingle with all the ingredients and elevate every bite with that signature tangy creaminess.
Step 9: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Garnish your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe with chopped fresh parsley for a final pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of tastes!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley works wonders sprinkled over the bowl, but you can also add a few lemon wedges for an extra bright zest or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add a subtle crunch. These simple garnishes uplift the presentation as well as the flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Pair these bowls with a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Each side complements the mains’ fresh and creamy textures, keeping things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the grilled chicken souvlaki on skewers right in the bowls or transform this into a mezze platter by arranging each component separately on a large tray for guests to pick and choose. Both ways celebrate the ingredients beautifully and encourage sharing and savoring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers to maintain texture and freshness. The chicken, grains, and veggies keep best when stored apart, so they don’t get soggy overnight in the sauce.
Freezing
While the marinated chicken freezes well before cooking, it’s best to freeze cooked chicken and sauce only if necessary. Thaw and reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture, but try to enjoy the freshness of this dish within a few days for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, then assemble your bowls fresh with cold veggies and sauce. This keeps everything tasting bright and fresh, just like the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just be mindful of cooking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for feta cheese in the creamy sauce?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or cream cheese to maintain the tangy creaminess of the sauce with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 20 minutes?
While 20 minutes is ideal for flavor absorption, if you’re short on time, marinating for 10 minutes still imparts noticeable flavor. Longer marination will only deepen the taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The use of rice or quinoa as the base naturally makes this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients, like your yogurt and seasonings, are gluten-free labeled if needed.
How long can I store the leftovers in the fridge?
Leftover grilled chicken and vegetables should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety. Keep sauces refrigerated separately and stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table with simplicity and vibrant flavors. This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe is a keeper—wholesome, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re chasing weeknight ease or weekend indulgence, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share and savor with people you love. Give it a try and let the bright, tangy, and fresh flavors transport you!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Creamy Feta Sauce are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring marinated grilled chicken breast served over rice or quinoa, topped with fresh vegetables, and finished with a tangy, creamy feta yogurt sauce. This recipe combines Mediterranean flavors with a healthy, balanced bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Creamy Feta Sauce
- â…“ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss well to ensure each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat grill pan or skillet: Preheat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the creamy feta sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls as the base.
- Add toppings: Top the grains with the grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion, layering fresh, crisp textures.
- Drizzle with sauce: Generously spoon the creamy feta sauce over each bowl to add tangy creaminess that complements the grilled chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top of each bowl and serve immediately for a vibrant, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) to enhance the flavor even more.
- You can substitute rice with quinoa or couscous for different textures and nutritional benefits.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular skillet or outdoor grill will work just as well.
- The feta sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as olives or bell peppers for extra flavor.
