The Mediterranean diet is consistently praised for its health benefits, focusing on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and herbs. This Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Bowl captures that essence in a vibrant, balanced, and flavour-packed meal.
It begins with marinating chicken breast or thigh pieces. A simple marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper infuses the meat with classic Greek flavours while tenderising it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours, before grilling or pan-searing until cooked through.
While the chicken rests, prepare your bowl components. A base of fibre-rich quinoa or brown rice is excellent. Then, add a colourful array of vegetables: a tangy Greek salad made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives, or some quickly grilled zucchini and red onion slices.
The crowning glory is a generous dollop of homemade Tzatziki sauce. This yogurt-based sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a probiotic-rich component that aids digestion. To make it, combine full-fat or Greek yogurt (for extra protein) with grated cucumber (squeezed dry), minced garlic, fresh dill, a dash of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
To assemble, place your grain at the bottom of a wide, shallow bowl. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top. Artfully add your vegetable components. Finally, spoon a generous amount of the cool, creamy tzatziki over everything. The contrast between the warm, charred chicken, the cool, crisp vegetables, and the refreshing, garlicky sauce is sublime.
This bowl is a complete nutritional package: high-quality protein from the chicken and yogurt, complex carbohydrates from the grain, a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants from the colourful vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil and olives. It’s a delicious, satisfying way to enjoy the principles of the world’s healthiest cuisines in a single, beautiful dish.
