If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal bursting with Mediterranean charm, you’ll love making these Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, fresh and crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a luscious, garlicky tahini sauce that ties every flavor in the bowl together beautifully. Easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve for guests, these bowls are just the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to letting the authentic flavors shine in this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken to the zesty lemon juice and creamy tahini that make this recipe stand out.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 ½ pounds): Cubed for quick, even cooking and perfect marinade absorption.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness while helping the spices cling to the chicken.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp + 2 tbsp for sauce): Brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Provides that irresistible punch, split between marinade and sauce for maximum flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): A staple herb in Greek cuisine, offering earthy and piney notes.
- Paprika (½ tsp): Adds a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
- Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Halved for bursts of sweet, juicy freshness.
- Cucumber (1 cup): Diced for crunchy, cooling contrast.
- Red onion (¼ cup): Thinly sliced for mild sharpness and color.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled): Creamy, salty, and utterly essential for that Greek touch.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
- Tahini (¼ cup): Sesame richness that makes the garlic sauce extraordinary.
- Warm water (2–4 tbsp): Used to bring the tahini sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken cubes in this vibrant marinade and let them soak up all those flavors for at least 20 minutes. This step is key because it infuses the chicken with that mouthwatering Greek character that makes every bite sing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get an even char that locks in the juices. The lightly crispy edges paired with the tender interior deliver amazing texture that elevates the entire bowl.
Step 3: Whisk the Tahini Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your sauce by whisking together tahini, fresh lemon juice, finely minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and warm water. Adjust the water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. This sauce is the creamy, tangy magic that ties everything in the bowl together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
Layer your bowl with a generous scoop of cooked rice or quinoa. Pile on the grilled chicken, followed by fresh, colorful veggies like halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. The mix of textures and colors here will make your meal as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your palate.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle your tahini garlic sauce generously over the assembled bowl. Then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top. This final flourish adds creaminess, saltiness, and color, making your Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe a feast for the senses.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your bowls warm and dig in. Every forkful balances the savory grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and irresistible tahini sauce—a combination so good you’ll want to share but probably won’t.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the bowl beautifully. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of sumac or a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their bowls for an extra tangy kick.
Side Dishes
These bowls can stand alone as a wholesome meal, but pairing them with a crisp Greek salad or warm pita bread on the side makes for a truly satisfying spread. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar on grilled pita rounds are particularly delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the elements deconstructed on a large platter for family-style dining. Your guests can build their own bowls, customizing with extra tahini sauce or veggies. Alternatively, use vibrant bowls or plates to play up the colorful ingredients, making the meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra chicken, grains, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tahini sauce separate prevents the bowl ingredients from becoming soggy, preserving their fresh textures.
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes well on its own for up to 2 months, but freezing the assembled bowls is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and tahini sauce don’t fare well once thawed. Freeze chicken cubes in a resealable bag, then thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to keep it juicy and tender. Warm the grains separately and add fresh veggies and sauce after reheating to keep that crisp, vibrant mouthfeel intact.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just cook them a bit longer to ensure they’re fully done.
Is there a substitute for tahini in the sauce?
If tahini isn’t your thing, you can try using Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, though the flavor will be less nutty and slightly tangier. Adding a bit of almond butter is another option to mimic richness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free when served with rice or quinoa and ensuring the spices and tahini are pure and free from gluten cross-contamination.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes, but for more intense flavor, marinate it up to 4 hours in the fridge. Avoid marinating longer than that to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the chicken texture too much.
What’s the best way to store the tahini garlic sauce?
Keep the tahini garlic sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken or separate slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce Recipe is like bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s comforting, colorful, and full of life, perfect for meals that are both nourishing and exciting. Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become one of your weeknight favorites, with its endless versatility and unbeatable flavor that warms the soul. So fire up that grill pan, whip up this magic sauce, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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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/Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Tahini Garlic Sauce offer a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal combining tender grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs with fresh vegetables, fluffy rice or quinoa, and a creamy tahini garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful 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 to coat completely. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Grill 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 nice light char on the outside.
- Prepare tahini garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, finely minced garlic, salt, and warm water until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls. Top with the grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onions.
- Add finishing touches: Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared tahini garlic sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls warm for an irresistible and comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Rice or quinoa can be substituted with couscous or cauliflower rice for variation.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in both marinade and sauce.
- If tahini sauce is too thick, add warm water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
- Leftover bowls keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days but add fresh parsley and feta just before serving.
