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Looking for a fresh, flavorful meal that’s easy to make? This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is your answer! Packed with vibrant ingredients and zesty flavors, it’s a wholesome dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
I first discovered the magic of Mediterranean Chicken Bowl during a summer trip to Greece. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy feta cheese reminded me of sunny afternoons by the sea. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Get ready to cook up a storm with this delightful recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your home too.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Don’t forget to rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Quinoa, rinsed | 1 cup |
| Water or chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
| Cucumber, diced | 1/2 |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | 1/4 cup |
| Kalamata olives, sliced | 1/4 cup |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | 1/4 cup |
| Hummus | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish | As needed |
| Lemon wedges, for serving | As needed |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the spice mixture and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, cook the quinoa. Bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil, add quinoa, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork once done.
- Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Alternatively, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Let it rest before slicing.
- Assemble the bowl: Start with a base of quinoa, then top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Add a dollop of hummus on the side and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty kick.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For an extra creamy texture, consider adding avocado slices to your Mediterranean Chicken Bowl. This dish is perfect for meal prepping; store ingredients separately for long-lasting freshness. If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this Instant Pot Cashew Chicken Gluten Free Recipe.
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Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, healthy dinner that tastes like a Greek vacation. Featuring juicy lemon-herb grilled chicken, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and salty feta cheese over a bed of fluffy quinoa, it is packed with fresh flavors and textures. Finished with a dollop of creamy hummus or tzatziki, it’s a high-protein, gluten-free meal that is perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
— The Lemon-Herb Chicken —
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
— The Bowl Base —
2 cups cooked quinoa (or brown rice/cauliflower rice)
1 cup English cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
— Toppings & Sauce —
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for dairy-free)
⅓ cup hummus or tzatziki sauce
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a dish and pour the marinade over them, tossing to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
3. Prep Base: While the chicken cooks, fluff your cooked quinoa with a fork. (Tip: Cook quinoa in chicken broth for extra flavor).
4. Assemble Bowls: Divide the quinoa among 4 bowls. Arrange the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced olives in sections on top of the grains.
5. Add Protein: Top each bowl with a generous portion of the sliced warm chicken.
6. Finish: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Add a large dollop of hummus or tzatziki in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
Meal Prep: Store the chicken, quinoa, and chopped veggies in separate containers to keep everything fresh. Assemble the bowl just before eating.
Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought hummus to make this meal in under 10 minutes.
Low Carb: Swap the quinoa for a bed of romaine lettuce or baby spinach for a salad version.
Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and cheese-based tzatziki; use extra hummus or a tahini drizzle instead.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 75
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
- Yes, you can substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous if preferred.
- Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
How long can I store the leftovers?
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the ingredients separate to maintain freshness.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a delicious and nutritious Mediterranean Chicken Bowl that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe has you covered. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.