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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl Recipe Easy Homemade Tzatziki Included

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A flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki bowl featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, served with homemade creamy tzatziki and fresh veggies over rice or greens. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt (about ½ teaspoon), and pepper (about ¼ teaspoon).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, tossing well to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Make the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt (about ¼ teaspoon), and pepper (a pinch). Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Prep the veggies: Wash and halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, dice cucumber, and halve Kalamata olives. Set aside.
  5. Cook the rice according to package instructions (about 15 minutes). Fluff with a fork when done.
  6. Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers if using. Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice evenly into serving bowls. Top with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and a dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours for best flavor and tenderness. Squeeze grated cucumber dry to avoid watery tzatziki. Use chicken thighs for juiciness; if using breasts, marinate longer and watch cooking time. Rest chicken 5 minutes after grilling to keep juices locked in. If no grill available, bake chicken at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or pan-sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, tzatziki, grilled chicken, Mediterranean bowl, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal