Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls with Couscous
Juicy marinated chicken skewers (souvlaki) grilled to perfection, served over fluffy couscous, and topped with Mediterranean fixings like cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and creamy tzatziki. It’s a wholesome, customizable bowl that brings together all the vibrant flavors of Greece.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Toppings:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
2. Prepare Couscous
Bring broth (or water) to a boil with olive oil and salt.
Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat.
Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Make the Tzatziki
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
Chill until ready to serve.
4. Cook the Chicken
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill over medium-high heat (or pan-sear) for 8–10 minutes, turning until cooked through and lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Add couscous as the base.
Top with chicken souvlaki skewers.
Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
Drizzle with tzatziki and sprinkle with parsley or dill.
Notes & Tips
You can swap couscous with quinoa, brown rice, or orzo pasta.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon on top before serving.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts if you like a richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Yes! Store couscous, chicken, and veggies separately. Add tzatziki just before eating.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—swap chicken with grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or falafel.
Q: Do I need skewers?
A: No, you can cook marinated chicken directly in a skillet if you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 42g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 4g