If you are craving a vibrant and wholesome meal that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table, look no further than this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe. It’s packed with juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy herbed feta sauce that ties every bite together beautifully. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful dish to impress guests, these bowls deliver unforgettable taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet essential each ingredient is, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make every bite memorable. Let’s gather the essentials that will transform your kitchen into a Mediterranean oasis.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lb): Tender and lean, perfect for quick grilling and absorbing marinade flavors.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp for sauce): Adds richness and helps keep chicken juicy while also enriching the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp for sauce): Brings bright, zesty notes that balance the dish beautifully.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Injects that aromatic depth every Greek recipe needs.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): The quintessential herb that gives the chicken its classic Mediterranean flair.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a smoky warmth and appealing color.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning every component perfectly.
- Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Creamy and tangy, the star ingredient in the herbed sauce.
- Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Makes the sauce creamy without overpowering freshness.
- Fresh dill and parsley (1 tbsp each, finely chopped): Infuses the sauce with herbaceous brightness.
- Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): The hearty base that soaks up delicious juices.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bright and juicy, adding fresh bursts of sweetness.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Crisp and cooling for perfect textural contrast.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A finishing touch to elevate the visual appeal and freshness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by combining the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This mixture creates the flavorful bath that will infuse the chicken with those bright and earthy Mediterranean notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. For best results, let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes — it’s the secret to juicy, tender bites bursting with aroma.
Step 3: Heat Your Grill Pan or Skillet
Place a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Getting your pan properly hot ensures a lovely char and caramelization on the chicken, adding depth to the flavor and that irresistible grilled texture.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cook the chicken cubes for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. You want a beautiful golden exterior and fully cooked, tender chicken inside. This quick cooking time makes it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Step 5: Make the Herbed Feta Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, a tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill and parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. The result is a luscious, creamy sauce that delivers an herby tang and perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your cooked rice or quinoa evenly among four serving bowls, creating a warm and fluffy base that carries every flavor.
Step 7: Add Fresh Veggies and Chicken
Top the grains with juicy grilled chicken cubes alongside vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp diced cucumber, and thin slices of red onion. These fresh ingredients provide a delightful crunch and freshness that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 8: Drizzle and Garnish
Generously drizzle each bowl with the herbed feta sauce and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This final touch brightens the dish and makes your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but you can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for a citrus pop. For extra texture, try toasting some pine nuts or adding a few Kalamata olives if you want an authentic Greek spin.
Side Dishes
This bowl can easily stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread makes it feel like a full Mediterranean feast. A side of tzatziki or even some roasted vegetables can add more variety and depth to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bowls in rustic ceramic dishes for a cozy, homey feel or layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a fun, portable lunch option. You can also serve the chicken skewered along with the rice and veggies on the side for a more traditional presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover chicken, rice, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain freshness and texture, especially for the crunchy veggies and creamy sauce.
Freezing
The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing and store in a freezer-safe container. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it’s best to prepare the sauce and vegetables fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Add sauce and fresh veggies after reheating to keep the dish vibrant and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be more forgiving on the grill, staying juicy with a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly, depending on the size of the pieces.
Is quinoa a good substitute for rice?
Yes, quinoa is an excellent substitute that adds extra protein and a delightful nutty taste. Both rice and quinoa soak up the flavors wonderfully, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is enough to impart good flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating too long as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken, altering its texture.
Can I make the herbed feta sauce dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the Greek yogurt for a creamy dairy-free alternative and omit the feta or use a vegan feta substitute. The herbs and lemon juice will still give a fresh, tangy punch even without traditional dairy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you stick to rice or quinoa and ensure your spices and yogurt are gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option if you’re catering to gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again. It offers freshness, ease, and incredible flavor all in one colorful bowl. Next time you want a healthy, satisfying meal that feels like a mini getaway to the Mediterranean, whip up this recipe and enjoy every delightful bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Herbed Feta Sauce – Ultimate 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowl recipe offers a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy, marinated grilled chicken cubes are paired with fresh vegetables, fluffy rice or quinoa, and a tangy herbed feta sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Herbed Feta Sauce
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces thoroughly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the grill pan: Place a grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat and allow it to get hot, ensuring a good sear on the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken cubes to the pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the herbed feta sauce: In a small bowl, blend together crumbled feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, chopped parsley, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa evenly between serving bowls as the base layer.
- Add toppings: Top the grains with the grilled chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle each bowl generously with the herbed feta sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes if time allows.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use quinoa for a gluten-free option and added protein.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular skillet or outdoor grill will work equally well.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce according to your taste preference.
