Discover the deliciousness of Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls that are perfect for any meal! This easy recipe features tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce served over quinoa or basmati rice for a nutritious finish. Ready in just one hour, these bowls balance vibrant flavors with healthy ingredients. Click through for the full recipe and make your next meal a taste of Greece!
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup cooked quinoa or fluffy basmati rice
½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
![- Chicken and Marinade Ingredients - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Vegetable and Topping Ingredients - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, diced - ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - ½ cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Base Ingredients (Quinoa or Rice) - 1 cup cooked quinoa or fluffy basmati rice A perfect Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl starts with great ingredients. The chicken is the star, marinated with olive oil, herbs, and spices. This mix gives the chicken a tasty kick. I use oregano for that classic Greek flavor. Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They help bring out all the flavors. Next, we have the fresh vegetables. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while cucumber brings a nice crunch. The red onion gives a sharp flavor, and Kalamata olives add a salty bite. Together, they create a colorful mix that brightens the bowl. Finally, the base can be cooked quinoa or fluffy basmati rice. Both options are filling and soak up the tasty juices from the chicken and veggies. For the full recipe, check the section above. How to Prepare the Marinade To start, gather a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, two teaspoons of dried oregano, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until the marinade is well combined. This mixture will add great flavor to the chicken. Marinating the Chicken Next, take one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into one-inch cubes. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is covered well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all those tasty flavors. Preheating the Grill While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the grill. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning while you grill the chicken. Skewering and Grilling the Chicken Now, it’s time to cook! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers. Once all the chicken is skewered, place them on the hot grill. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally. Cook until the chicken is fully done and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Preparing the Vegetable Mix While the chicken grills, prepare the fresh vegetable mix. In a large serving bowl, combine one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one medium diced cucumber, half a medium thinly sliced red onion, and half a cup of halved Kalamata olives. Toss everything gently so the flavors mix well. Assembling the Bowls Once the chicken is grilled, remove it from the skewers. Begin assembling your bowls by adding cooked quinoa or fluffy basmati rice to each bowl. Distribute the grilled chicken over the grains. Then, spoon the vibrant vegetable mix on top of the chicken. For a cooling touch, drizzle tzatziki sauce over each bowl. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. How to Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken To get juicy, tender chicken, marinate it well. Use a mix of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece is coated. Grill on medium-high heat for the best char. Flip the skewers often to cook evenly. Recommended Cooking Times for Different Grills For gas grills, cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes. If using a charcoal grill, it may take a little longer, about 10-12 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Marinade Recommendations Feel free to play with the marinade. You can add lemon juice for tanginess or a pinch of cumin for warmth. The key is to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. Longer is even better for deeper flavor. Presentation Ideas for Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls When serving, arrange the chicken, veggies, and grains in colorful layers. Add lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. This not only tastes good but looks amazing too. Side Dishes to Complement the Bowl Serve with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread. These sides balance the meal nicely. You can also add a light yogurt dip for extra creaminess. This gives your meal even more flavor and texture. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the main protein in your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls. Try using lamb for a richer taste or tofu for a plant-based option. Both alternatives will soak up the marinade just like chicken. The key is to marinate them well for flavor. Vegetable substitutions can also freshen up your dish. If you want some crunch, add bell peppers or zucchini. They pair well with the other ingredients. Use spinach or arugula for a leafy green boost. These swaps keep the meal lively and delicious. Don’t shy away from trying different sauces. While tzatziki is classic, hummus or a spicy harissa sauce can add a unique twist. You might find a new favorite that excites your taste buds! Seasonal vegetables can brighten your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls. In spring, add asparagus or snap peas for a fresh crunch. In summer, grilled corn can add sweetness. In fall, try roasted butternut squash for warmth and depth. These changes let you enjoy fresh flavors all year. To adapt the recipe for every season, think about the base. Use wild rice in winter for a hearty feel. In summer, stick with fluffy basmati rice for lightness. Adjusting your ingredients makes these bowls a year-round delight! For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Once you finish your meal, cool the bowls to room temperature. Transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. - Freezing Chicken Souvlaki Bowls: You can freeze the chicken souvlaki bowls too. Just make sure to separate the tzatziki sauce. Freeze the bowls for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. - Recommended Methods for Reheating: To reheat, use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl in for about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring between each. - Ensuring Ingredients Stay Fresh: Watch out for soggy veggies! To keep them crisp, add fresh veggies and tzatziki after reheating. This step keeps your Greek chicken souvlaki bowls vibrant and delicious. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your meal later without losing any of its tasty charm. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! What is traditional souvlaki? Traditional souvlaki is a Greek dish made of marinated meat, often served on skewers. It usually features pork, chicken, or lamb grilled to perfection. The meat is seasoned with herbs and spices, giving it a vibrant flavor. Souvlaki is often served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki sauce, making it a complete meal. Can I make the tzatziki sauce at home? Yes, you can easily make tzatziki sauce at home! Mix plain yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill. This sauce adds a cool and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken in the bowls. Making it at home allows you to customize the flavors to your taste. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Always check a few pieces to be safe. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! You can enjoy the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls without worrying about gluten. Just ensure that any toppings or sauces you use, like tzatziki, are also gluten-free. Can the recipe be made low-carb? Absolutely! To make this recipe low-carb, simply skip the quinoa or rice. Instead, serve the grilled chicken with a larger portion of vegetables. You will still enjoy the flavors while keeping the carbs low. Tips for paleo or keto adaptations For a paleo adaptation, focus on using fresh, whole ingredients. Avoid grains and dairy. For keto, use low-carb vegetables and increase healthy fats. Adding more olive oil or avocado can enhance the meal's richness while keeping it keto-friendly. This blog post covered everything you need to make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls. We discussed key ingredients, from chicken and marinade to bases like quinoa or rice. I walked you through preparation and grilling steps. Plus, I shared tips to make the perfect dish, variations to keep it fresh, and storage info for leftovers. By following these steps, you can create a tasty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy customizing your bowls, and don’t forget to experiment with ingredients!](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b92a9c9c-eff1-4e9f-af32-bfa0285bd933-250x250.webp)