If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors, the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken with crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a luscious homemade tahini garlic sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe so unforgettable. From the juicy chicken and tangy lemon juice to the fresh veggies and creamy tahini sauce, every element comes together in harmony.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cubed for easy marinating and quick grilling, this is the star protein of the bowls.
- 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade flavors into the chicken.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and sauce with fresh acidity.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that essential pungent aroma both in the chicken and sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a classic Greek herbaceous note to the marinade.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds mild smoky depth and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite.
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa: The hearty base to soak up all the delicious juices.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and fresh texture.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Adds crunch and cooling contrast.
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Introduces a sharp, slightly sweet bite.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it brings classic Greek flavor to the bowl.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, herbal garnish.
- ¼ cup tahini: The creamy sesame base for the sauce.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for sauce): Adds zesty lift to the tahini garlic sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (for sauce): Packs the sauce with savory punch.
- 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce): Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Salt, to taste (for sauce): Enhances the tahini sauce flavors perfectly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss your cubed chicken breast in this mixture until everything is evenly coated. Let it sit and soak up all those vibrant flavors for at least 20 minutes. This marinade transforms simple chicken into juicy, aromatic bites packed with Mediterranean charm.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re aiming for a tender, fully cooked interior with a slight char on the outside that adds an irresistible smoky note. This grilling stage locks in the marinade’s zest while creating a beautiful texture contrast.
Step 3: Make the Tahini Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix the tahini, additional lemon juice, finely minced garlic, salt, and warm water in a small bowl. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, adjusting the water to reach a velvety drizzle-friendly consistency. This sauce is the crown jewel that brings richness and savory depth to your bowls.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Lay down a base of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa in each serving bowl. Top with grilled chicken, then scatter juicy halved cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and thin slices of red onion. This colorful layering not only looks stunning but also adds a range of fresh textures that keep every bite exciting.
Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish
Finish your bowls by drizzling the luscious tahini garlic sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for pops of creaminess and herbal brightness. Serve warm, and dive into this sensational Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe that feels like a big flavorful hug on a plate.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or even some toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side invites anyone to add an extra squeeze of brightness just before eating, enhancing the overall zestiness of the bowl.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad or crispy pita bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing tzatziki dip that complements the garlic and lemon flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, arrange all components in separate bowls and let everyone build their own souvlaki bowl—this creates a fun and interactive dining experience. Alternatively, serving it in warm pita pockets transforms it into a delicious handheld meal that’s ideal for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and veggies separately from the tahini garlic sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain texture and flavor integrity for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Chicken souvlaki can be frozen cooked or marinated but uncooked. For cooked chicken, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The fresh veggies and sauce are best made fresh or stored only refrigerated without freezing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Add the fresh vegetables and drizzle with tahini garlic sauce just before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with lamb, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure perfect doneness.
Is quinoa better than rice for this recipe?
Both are delicious options. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and extra protein, while rice offers a more neutral base that lets other ingredients shine. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 20 minutes is sufficient, marinating up to 2 hours enhances the flavor intensity even more. Avoid marinating longer than overnight, as the acid can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
Can I prepare the tahini garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of water before serving if it thickens up too much.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
No worries! A regular skillet or non-stick pan works fine, or you can even broil the chicken in the oven. The key is cooking on high heat to get those lovely charred edges.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of those feel-good meals I reach for whenever I want comfort and freshness rolled into one glorious bowl. It’s easy to prepare yet packed with so much flavor that it feels truly special. Trust me, once you try it, these bowls will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead—grab those ingredients and start enjoying a slice of Mediterranean goodness tonight!
Print
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl recipe combines tender, marinated grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and a creamy tahini garlic sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfectly balanced with Mediterranean spices and simple ingredients, these bowls are easy to prepare and make a great healthy lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tahini Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice light char on the outside.
- Prepare the Tahini Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and warm water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the water quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly into four bowls. Top each with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion slices.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the tahini garlic sauce over each bowl. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bowls warm and enjoy the delicious taste of your homemade Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for the chicken.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free alternative.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon juice in the sauce to taste for personal preference.
- Leftover bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
