If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for making ahead, you’re going to love this Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe. Tender, herb-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa and crisp veggies to create a vibrant bowl that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. The bright lemon and oregano notes bring you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just craving a wholesome lunch, this recipe delivers an unbeatable combination of taste, texture, and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe a breeze to prepare while packing a punch in flavor and nutrition. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken breasts that soak up the marinade to the cooling tzatziki that adds a creamy contrast.
- 4 large chicken breasts: Cut into kabob-size pieces for perfect grilling and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and infuses rich Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: This classic herb is essential to achieving that authentic Greek taste.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds a zesty brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic packs a punch and complements the oregano beautifully.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to balance and enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa: A light and fluffy base that’s packed with protein and fiber.
- Tomatoes (to taste): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber (to taste): Offers a refreshing crunch in every bite.
- Tzatziki (to taste): Creamy, tangy, and cool — a must-have to finish these bowls (use homemade or store-bought).
- Red onions (to taste): Brings a subtle sharpness and vivid purple hue.
- Kalamata olives (optional, to taste): Adds a briny depth for those who love them.
How to Make Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken pieces and placing them in a large bowl or ZipLoc bag. Toss with olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This marinade is straightforward yet full of flavor, ensuring every bite of chicken is juicy and aromatic. Pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes — the longer, the better for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Quinoa and Veggies
While the chicken marinates, cook your quinoa according to package directions. Quinoa is the perfect base here because it’s fluffy, filling, and gluten-free. Set it aside to cool, then chop your fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives. Having these ready will make assembly quick and enjoyable.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat up your grill to high and grease the grate to prevent sticking. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers — if you’re using wooden ones, soak them first to avoid burning. Once ready, turn down the heat to medium-high and grill the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning every few minutes to get that beautiful char and even cooking. Whether you have a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or even a grill pan, this step infuses a smoky flavor that brings the whole bowl together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls
Now the fun part — assembling! Start with a base of quinoa, add the gorgeous grilled chicken pieces on top, and then pile on your fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives. Drizzle with a generous spoonful of tzatziki for that creamy, tangy finish. These bowls can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, making lunches or dinners throughout the week just as wonderful as fresh-off-the-grill.
How to Serve Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Add some extra flair by garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint to elevate the freshness. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten flavors and add a touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This meal prep bowl is a powerhouse on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve alongside warm pita bread or a simple Greek salad. A crisp, leafy salad with a light vinaigrette will perfectly complement the bowl’s heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering all the ingredients in mason jars for grab-and-go meals that look as good as they taste. Or pack the components separately and let everyone build their own bowls to customize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your assembled Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days. This is great for busy weeks — everything stays fresh, and flavors meld beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for longer storage, it’s best to freeze cooked chicken and quinoa separately from fresh veggies and tzatziki. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken and quinoa overnight in the fridge and add fresh vegetables and sauce before serving to keep the textures crisp and vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and quinoa gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep them moist. Avoid reheating the fresh vegetables and tzatziki; instead, add them cold after warming up to preserve their texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Couscous, bulgur, or even brown rice can work well as a nutritious base for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Replace the grilled chicken with marinated and grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version that’s equally flavorful and hearty.
Do I have to use a grill to cook the chicken?
Nope! If a grill isn’t available, a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stove can be used to achieve great results. Just watch the cooking time and heat to avoid overcooking.
Can this recipe be made spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve with a spicy harissa sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Is tzatziki necessary in the meal prep bowls?
Tzatziki adds a creamy, cooling balance to the herbs and grilled chicken, but you can swap it out for hummus or a lemony yogurt dressing if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe — bright, fresh, and packed with flavor. It’s a meal that feels like a treat yet fits right into a busy routine. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for meal prep and beyond. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious and healthy Chicken Souvlaki Meal Prep Bowls featuring marinated grilled chicken skewers served over fluffy quinoa and fresh Mediterranean vegetables, perfect for a quick and nutritious lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 4 large chicken breasts (cut into kabob-size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Quinoa
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
Vegetables and Toppings
- Tomatoes (to taste)
- Cucumber (to taste)
- Red onions (to taste)
- Kalamata olives (to taste, optional)
- Tzatziki sauce (to taste, homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Prep your chicken pieces and place them in a large bowl or ZipLoc bag. Add olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all chicken pieces and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook Quinoa and Prep Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, rinse the quinoa and cook it according to the package directions. Once cooked, set aside to cool. Meanwhile, chop tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, and prepare kalamata olives and tzatziki sauce for assembly.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to high heat and grease the grill grate to prevent sticking. Thread marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers, soaking wooden skewers beforehand to avoid burning. Reduce grill heat to medium-high and cook the chicken skewers for about 15 minutes total, turning every few minutes, until fully cooked through. Using a gas barbecue with the lid closed is ideal, but a grill pan on the stovetop works as well with adjusted cooking times.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooled quinoa evenly into four bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken skewers, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, olives, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Refrigerate assembled bowls for up to 5 days for convenient meal prep.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor but do not exceed 24 hours.
- Adjust vegetables and tzatziki quantities based on personal preference.
- Quinoa can be substituted with rice or couscous if desired.
- Store assembled bowls covered in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days for freshness.
