Thursday, August 14, 2025

Help-Yourself Greek Feast Platter

This Help-Yourself Greek Feast Platter is a no-oven, summer-friendly dinner loaded with marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy yogurt sauce—perfect for easy, build-your-own meals.




Help-Yourself Greek Feast Platter


I love summer dinners that don’t require an oven. When the sun is still hanging in the sky and the air smells like fresh herbs and warm pavement, the last thing I want to do is turn on the stove for an hour. That’s where this Help-Yourself Greek Feast Platter comes in—a no-fuss, flavor-forward way to gather, eat, and enjoy the moment.

This recipe was born out of one of those end-of-week fridge raids—the kind where you’re not sure what’s for dinner, but you are sure you’re not spending your evening over a hot stove. I had some chicken, a few crisp cucumbers, the tail end of a feta block, and a couple of flatbreads hanging out in the freezer. With a quick marinade and a skillet sear, dinner transformed into a hands-on Greek-inspired platter that felt like it came from a little taverna by the sea.

What makes this meal shine isn’t just the bold Mediterranean flavors (though, hello lemony garlic yogurt sauce and oregano-marinated chicken!). It’s the build-your-own nature of it all. Everyone gets to grab what they want—pile up the veggies, dip the chicken, wrap it all up in warm bread or eat it mezze-style with a fork. It’s casual, colorful, and completely stress-free.

Perfect for warm nights when appetites are big but patience for cooking is low, this platter has become a go-to in our summer dinner rotation. No oven. No drama. Just a sun-soaked meal worth gathering around.

Enjoy!





What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Greek-inspired platter to life:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Dijon mustard
  • Granulated sugar
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil

For the Yogurt Garlic Sauce:

  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Fresh garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Optional: Fresh dill or parsley

For the Platter:

  • English cucumber
  • Roma tomatoes
  • Feta cheese (preferably from a block)
  • Flatbreads or naan






Substitution and Variations

Substitutions 

  • Chicken breastsChicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
  • Red wine vinegarWhite wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • Greek yogurtPlain whole-milk yogurt (non-Greek) or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free.
  • Flatbread/naanPita bread, lavash, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
  • Feta cheeseGoat cheese or dairy-free feta substitute.


Variations

  • Grilled Version Instead of pan-searing, grill the marinated chicken bites for a smoky, outdoor flavor.
  • Loaded Platter Add extras like olives, roasted red peppers, or hummus for a true mezze spread.
  • Spicy KickMix a little harissa or red pepper flakes into the marinade for a bold twist.





Kitchen Tips or Notes

  • Marinating Matters: Even 30 minutes will infuse great flavor, but for the juiciest chicken, marinate up to 2 hours.

  • Cut Evenly: Cut chicken into similar-sized bites so they cook evenly and stay tender.

  • Warm the Bread: A quick toast or skillet warm-up makes the flatbread soft, pliable, and extra delicious.

  • Make Ahead: The yogurt garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.






"Set the Mood"

Picture this: a warm breeze drifting through the air, the sun dipping low enough to paint everything golden, and a table scattered with colorful bowls of cucumber, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and lemony chicken bites. This is a meal that practically begs to be enjoyed alfresco.

Lay out your platter on a big wooden board or a collection of mismatched serving dishes for a laid-back, rustic feel. Keep stacks of warm flatbreads nearby, a bowl of creamy yogurt garlic sauce front and center, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs tucked in for a pop of color. No fuss. No formality. Just the kind of casual abundance that gets people lingering at the table a little longer.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings:

  • Sides: Add a crisp Greek salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs.

  • Drinks: Pair with chilled white wine, sparkling lemonade, or even a round of poolside cocktails like Aperol spritzes or mojitos.

  • Sweet Finish: Serve fresh fruit—think watermelon slices, cherries, or grapes—right at the table for an effortless dessert.

Perfect Venues for Your Greek Feast:

  • Brunch Gatherings: Swap the flatbreads for mini pitas and add a few breakfast-style mezze like herbed scrambled eggs or roasted veggies.

  • Poolside Parties: Keep everything chilled in the shade, and let guests fill wraps between swims.

  • Casual Backyard Dinners: Serve family-style with big pitchers of sangria or iced tea for that stay-all-night feel.

  • Potluck with Friends: Everyone can bring one mezze component—hummus, olives, roasted peppers—and you provide the chicken and bread.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s a relaxed summer ritual that turns any table, patio, or picnic blanket into a little slice of the Mediterranean.



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💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you tried this Greek platter? What are your favorite summer dishes? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @SliceofSouthern—I’d love to see how yours turns out!










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