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
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts → Chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
- Red wine vinegar → White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Greek yogurt → Plain whole-milk yogurt (non-Greek) or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free.
- Flatbread/naan → Pita bread, lavash, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Feta cheese → Goat 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 Kick – Mix a little harissa or red pepper flakes into the marinade for a bold twist.
Kitchen Tips or Notes
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Marinating Matters: Even 30 minutes will infuse great flavor, but for the juiciest chicken, marinate up to 2 hours.
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Cut Evenly: Cut chicken into similar-sized bites so they cook evenly and stay tender.
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Warm the Bread: A quick toast or skillet warm-up makes the flatbread soft, pliable, and extra delicious.
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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:
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Sides: Add a crisp Greek salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs.
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Drinks: Pair with chilled white wine, sparkling lemonade, or even a round of poolside cocktails like Aperol spritzes or mojitos.
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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:
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Brunch Gatherings: Swap the flatbreads for mini pitas and add a few breakfast-style mezze like herbed scrambled eggs or roasted veggies.
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Poolside Parties: Keep everything chilled in the shade, and let guests fill wraps between swims.
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Casual Backyard Dinners: Serve family-style with big pitchers of sangria or iced tea for that stay-all-night feel.
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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!
