Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki Delight

If you’re craving a burst of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are the perfect solution. Juicy, marinated chicken skewer cooked to perfection, combined with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce makes for a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Not only is this dish delicious, but it also ticks all the boxes for a healthy and satisfying dinner option. Imagine the combination of zesty lemon, savory garlic chicken, and the refreshing taste of tzatziki that harmonizes beautifully to elevate a bowl of grains like rice, couscous, or quinoa. This recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Greece!

What makes these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls even more appealing is their versatility and the simplicity involved in preparation. You can easily prepare the chicken in advance, and the tzatziki sauce is incredibly easy to whip up! Additionally, the vibrant colors of the vegetables create a visually

appealing dish that not only tastes good but looks enticing as well. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a festive gathering, you can have these luscious bowls ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl

• Flavor Explosion: The invigorating blend of lemon, garlic, and spices in the chicken creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, this dish can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and probiotic-rich tzatziki, it’s both wholesome and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients to cater to your preferences. Use different grains or add extra veggies!
• Great for Meal Prepping: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into preparing the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls, it’s essential to set the stage for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping vegetables, a mixing bowl for marinating the chicken, and grilling skewers or a skillet for cooking. Depending on your preference, an outdoor grill or stovetop skillet will work beautifully for achieving that desired charred flavor.

Make sure to prep your workspace—wash and dry all vegetables, and set up a spot for assembling the bowls afterward. Having everything organized will streamline the process and make your cooking experience enjoyable. Don’t forget to have measuring spoons handy for the marinade and tzatziki to get the flavor just right!

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
• ½ cucumber, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
• 50g crumbled feta
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and delicious. Once evenly mixed, add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl. Toss everything together until all the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step is crucial for enhancing the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. If you’re using skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto them, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking. You can grill the skewers over medium heat until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through—this typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, if opting for a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for the same amount of time, turning occasionally until cooked through. The goal is to have crispy edges and juicy interior.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients until it becomes smooth and creamy. Once ready, cover the mixture and refrigerate it to enhance the flavors while the chicken finishes cooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your Greek chicken souvlaki bowls! Start by placing a generous scoop of your choice of grains (rice, couscous, or quinoa) at the bottom of a bowl. Layer the cooked chicken over the grains, followed by an array of fresh toppings—diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Be creative in arranging the vegetables to make the dish visually appealing.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Finally, finish off by drizzling a generous amount of tzatziki over the assembled ingredients. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor. Serve your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls while warm, and enjoy this delightful taste of the Mediterranean!

Variations

• Protein: Try swapping chicken for shrimp or beef for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers or spinach for some extra colors and nutrition.
• Spices: Experiment by adding smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Cooking Notes

• For best results, let the chicken marinate longer if possible; overnight is ideal.
• Feel free to use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill—just keep the heat moderate to avoid burning.
• Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so consider adding dill to the tzatziki.
• Leftover chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or pitas the next day for versatile meals.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
• Serve with pita bread on the side to scoop up the tzatziki.

Tips

• Always taste and adjust seasoning to your liking, especially for the tzatziki.
• If you’re making this for meal prep, store the components separately for freshness.
• Make your tzatziki ahead of time for a quicker assembly later—flavors meld beautifully with time.
• Consider adding a sprinkle of sumac on top for a tangy finish!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: Depending on feta and olives used

FAQs

Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and kept in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop further.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No worries! You can simply cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in a skillet or on a grill without skewers.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for best flavor, frozen chicken can be used as long as it is properly thawed before marinating.

What type of grain can I substitute?

You can use any grain such as farro, barley, or even a leafy base like spinach or arugula for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tzatziki are a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. With their colorful presentation and a medley of textures, they serve as a fantastic centerpiece for any meal—whether for your family or guests. Take the time to savor each bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make this dish your own. We encourage you to share your experiences in the comments below, try out different ingredients, and let us know how you made this recipe uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

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