If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, you are going to love this Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe. Loaded with tender grilled chicken marinated in fragrant spices, crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and topped off with a luscious tahini garlic sauce, these bowls deliver an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of Greek cuisine in a hearty, wholesome bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls truly special is the simplicity and harmony of the ingredients, each bringing their own magic to the dish. From the bright acidity of lemon juice to the earthy creaminess of tahini, every element serves a delicious purpose.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides a lean, juicy protein base that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while enhancing flavors.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors with its fresh citrusy zing.
- Garlic: Delivers pungent, aromatic depth to both marinade and sauce.
- Dried oregano: Imparts classic Greek herbal notes.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing all flavors.
- Rice or quinoa: Acts as a hearty, fluffy base to soak up the sauce and juices.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Offers a refreshing crunch and lightness.
- Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite in thin slices.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy saltiness and signature Greek character.
- Fresh parsley: Bright herbaceous garnish that adds color and freshness.
- Tahini: A nutty sesame paste forming the creamy base of the garlic sauce.
- Warm water: Used to thin the tahini sauce to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade packs a punch with herby, citrusy undertones that will infuse every bite of the chicken with irresistible flavor. Toss the cubed chicken breast in the mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. Letting it marinate for at least 20 minutes ensures the meat becomes tender and bursting with taste.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and show those lovely lightly charred edges that bring smoky flavor and texture. This step is key to achieving the soul of traditional souvlaki.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Tahini Garlic Sauce
While your chicken is cooking, make the sauce by whisking tahini, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, salt, and warm water in a small bowl. The warm water helps the tahini reach a smooth, pourable consistency, making the sauce glossy and delectably creamy. This sauce is the star that ties every component of the bowl together.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Grab your cooked rice or quinoa and spoon a generous serving into each bowl. Layer on the grilled chicken, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. The combination of textures here—from fluffy grains to crisp vegetables—makes every forkful a delight.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings and Serve
Drizzle the tahini garlic sauce liberally across the assembled bowls, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top. These final touches add creaminess, saltiness, and fresh herbal brightness that elevate the dish. Serve warm, and prepare to enjoy every bite of this soulful Greek feast.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here, adding a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery note. If you want to amp it up, a few lemon wedges on the side invite diners to add extra citrus zing. Crumbled feta brings a briny contrast that complements the grilled meat beautifully.
Side Dishes
While these bowls are pretty complete on their own, pairing them with warm pita bread or a side Greek salad can turn it into a feast. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and oregano echoes the flavors without overwhelming them. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs make an excellent accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bowls in rustic ceramic dishes for a homely, Mediterranean vibe. For a fun twist, offer the components deconstructed on a platter and let everyone build their own bowls. Mini pita pockets stuffed with grilled chicken and sauce also make fantastic appetizers inspired by this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover chicken, grains, and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tahini garlic sauce in its own container to preserve its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, it’s best to freeze it separately from the fresh veggies and sauce to avoid sogginess. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To avoid drying out the pita or vegetables, add them fresh or at room temperature while assembling your bowl. Drizzle sauce just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and stay juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for tahini in the garlic sauce?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, you could try using natural peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute, but the flavor will be different. Alternatively, a simple garlic yogurt sauce can also pair nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free grains like quinoa or certified gluten-free rice, and avoid serving with pita bread unless it is gluten-free.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 20 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken for a few hours or even overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat even more.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan-friendly, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use a vegan alternative to feta cheese. The tahini garlic sauce is already plant-based and perfect for this tweak.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant Mediterranean flavors wrapped up in a healthy and satisfying bowl. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to serve to friends and family. I promise once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite in your cooking repertoire. So go ahead, fire up that grill pan, whip up the tahini sauce, and enjoy the incredible taste journey to Greece right at home!
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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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring marinated grilled chicken served over a bed of rice or quinoa, complemented by fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a creamy homemade tahini garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines Mediterranean flavors in just 20 minutes of cooking time, perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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
Bowl Components
- 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)
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, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a lightly charred, golden surface for that authentic grilled taste.
- Make Tahini Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, salt, and warm water gradually. Adjust the water to reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Arrange the cooked rice or quinoa in serving bowls. Top with the grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to create a colorful and balanced base.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the tahini garlic sauce generously over the bowls. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for added flavor and garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your tahini and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more intense flavor.
- Quinoa can be used instead of rice to add more protein and fiber.
- Adjust the thickness of the tahini sauce by adding more or less warm water according to preference.
