There’s something magical about Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki. The very first bite brings sunshine to your table—juicy, lemony chicken paired with cool, garlicky yogurt sauce, all tucked into a bowl of fluffy grains and bright veggies. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but actually leaves you energized. I still remember the first time I tried this combination on a trip with friends—it was so simple yet full of flavor, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. And now? This is one recipe I reach for again and again, especially on busy weeknights. Let’s dive in and make it your new favorite too.
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Why you’ll love Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki
Flavor that tells a story
Every component of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki is layered with taste. The chicken is tangy from lemon, earthy from oregano, and kissed with garlic. Then comes the tzatziki—creamy, cool, and refreshing with cucumber. Add juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and briny olives, and you’ve got the kind of harmony you usually only find at a seaside café in Athens.
Convenience meets comfort
Bowls are all the rage for a reason. They’re easy to assemble, endlessly flexible, and downright pretty on the table. You can prep the chicken ahead, whisk together the tzatziki in minutes, and let everyone build their own perfect bite. Honestly, it’s meal prep disguised as something much fancier.
Ingredients that make the magic happen
The essentials for souvlaki bowls
Here’s what you’ll need for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki:
- For the chicken souvlaki: 500 g chicken breast, 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp oregano, salt, pepper
- For the bowls: cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous; cucumber; cherry tomatoes; red onion; Kalamata olives; feta; fresh parsley
- For the tzatziki: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper
Substitutions and creative swaps
- Swap the chicken for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Try grilled halloumi or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Use dairy-free yogurt if you need a lactose-free tzatziki.
- Want a twist? Check out this Grilled Greek Chicken Bowl for another fresh take.
Step-by-step: how to make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki
Marinating and cooking the chicken
This is the heart of the recipe. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can. When you cook it, either on skewers or directly in a hot skillet, the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a Greek taverna. Eight to ten minutes, and you’ll have golden, juicy pieces ready for your bowls.
Making and chilling the tzatziki
Meanwhile, whip up the sauce. Grate cucumber, squeeze out the extra liquid, and stir it into thick Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Chill it while the chicken cooks so the flavors meld into something irresistible. The contrast between warm chicken and cool tzatziki? Absolute perfection.
Serving and enjoying the bowls
Building your perfect bowl
Start with a base—rice, quinoa, or couscous. Layer on the chicken, scatter cucumbers and tomatoes, add a few olives, sprinkle feta, and drizzle tzatziki over everything. Finish with fresh parsley. That first forkful, with a little bit of everything, is heaven.
Side dishes and pairings
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are satisfying on their own, but if you’re feeding a crowd, serve them with warm pita, hummus, or roasted vegetables. For something different, try a handheld version like these Greek Chicken Wraps with Cucumber Sauce. They’re perfect picnic fare.
Tips to make it foolproof
- Marinate longer: Overnight is best for deep flavor.
- Cook hot and fast: That sear locks in juices.
- Don’t skip draining the cucumber for tzatziki—no one wants watery sauce.
- Make it your own: Extra herbs, a sprinkle of sumac, or even roasted red peppers can all join the party.
Storage and meal prep
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are perfect for make-ahead lunches. Store the chicken, veggies, and grains separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki in its own container and stir before serving. Reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying it out.
General information
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Tools you’ll need: skewers or skillet, mixing bowls, grater, cutting board, knife.
Nutrition per serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated fat | 5 g |
| Unsaturated fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 540 mg |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully in Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki.
Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. Prep the chicken and tzatziki up to a day before. Assemble when ready to eat.
Can I freeze tzatziki?
Not recommended. The yogurt base doesn’t thaw well. Better to make it fresh.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes—it’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. That’s part of the charm of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki aren’t just dinner—they’re a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen. From the sizzling chicken to the cooling tzatziki, from the crunchy cucumbers to the salty bite of feta, every forkful is a little celebration. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding the family, or just craving something colorful and nourishing, this recipe has your back.
And if you’re hungry for more, you’ll love Greek Baked Chicken with Feta. It’s another comforting dish with the same bold flavors.
Don’t forget—I’d love to see your creations. Share photos on Pinterest, leave a review, or tell me how you made your bowl unique.
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki | 5-Star Healthy Dinner
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed meal that brings the Mediterranean to your table. Juicy marinated chicken, cool garlicky tzatziki, crisp veggies, and a base of grains all come together in one bowl. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a wholesome family meal that feels anything but boring.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Souvlaki
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Bowls
- 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 50 g feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Tzatziki
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers or cook directly in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
Make the tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well-drained), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the bowls: Divide rice or quinoa among bowls. Top with chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta.
Finish and serve: Drizzle tzatziki over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
Drain cucumber well for thick, creamy tzatziki.
Customize bowls with extras like roasted red peppers, avocado, or pita bread on the side.
Great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg