Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups Carolina® Basmati Rice
- 3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cucumber, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 3/4 cup tzatziki sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Our Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Bowl is a wholesome twist on Greek street food. Packed with all those delicious Mediterranean ingredients you’re looking forward to like creamy feta, refreshing cucumbers, savory Kalamata olives, juicy tomatoes and perfectly seasoned chicken thighs, all atop a bed of fluffy Basmati Rice.
Step 1
In resealable freezer bag, combine chicken, olive oil, dill, lemon zest, garlic, chili flakes, salt and pepper; mix well. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Step 2
Prepare rice according to package directions. Set aside.
Step 3
Preheat grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade; grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and instant-read thermometer inserted in center reads 165°F.
Step 4
Serve chicken over bed of rice; top with cucumber, tomatoes, cheese and olives. Drizzle with tzatziki and sprinkle with parsley.
Recipe Variation
Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if desired.
Classical Greek
Souvlaki is translated from Greek to mean meat grilled on a skewer, however, we opted for the most flavorful meat — chicken thighs. So, if you want a more authentic Greek experience, break out your wooden skewers. While thighs add a touch more flavor and maybe a bit easier to prepare, you won’t regret going the traditional route. You don’t need a barbecue to grill up some souvlaki. These meat skewers can be cooked on a griddle pan. Follow some simple skewer tips:
–Cut the skewers to fit your griddle pan. Skip this step if you are using a grill.
–Soak the skewers in water prior to threading. This will prevent burning — they are wood, after all.
–Pierce and arrange the meat pieces loosely on the skewers. If you try to jam-pack the skewer, you won’t get an even cook for each piece.
Greek To-Go
Bite-sized chicken pieces are not only more kid-friendly but are also ideal back-to-school lunches. So, break out your bento box and start packing! Make sure to separate the creamy cheese, juicy vegetables, chicken and rice, and tzatziki dressing. If your bento box doesn’t have enough compartments, use silicone baking cups or lettuce leaves to keep your flavors from mingling until it’s time to dine.
Easy Tzatziki
Tzatziki can be found in most grocery stores, in the refrigerated section, near the lettuces and other sauces and dressings. However, it’s a breeze to make at home! Blend olive oil and minced garlic until combined. Peel, de-seed, and grate cucumber into a bowl, adding salt and pepper. After 10 minutes, wrap cucumbers in cheesecloth or paper towel to squeeze out any excess moisture before returning to a dry bowl containing the garlic oil mixture, yogurt, and a spoonful of red wine vinegar. Stir until well combined — Opa! Creamy tzatziki in no-time.
Drizzle your homemade dressing on other favorite Greek-inspired recipes like this tasty Jasmine Rice Greek Power Bowl.
