Description
These Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls feature tender, marinated chicken cooked to golden perfection and served over fluffy rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. A vibrant, healthy, and flavorful meal inspired by traditional Greek flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat, then let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start by layering the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top the rice with the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives if using.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce generously over the assembled bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness but chicken breasts work well too.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the skillet cooking method with grilling the chicken on skewers for authentic souvlaki.
- Kalamata olives are optional but add a nice briny depth to the bowl.
- The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, garlic yogurt sauce, chicken bowl, Greek cuisine, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner bowl, Mediterranean chicken
