Easy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe

Get ready to whip up a truly satisfying and flavorful meal! This Mediterranean chicken bowl is a vibrant explosion of fresh tastes and healthful ingredients, perfect for any weeknight. We combine juicy, perfectly marinated chicken with a zesty homemade tzatziki and a crisp cucumber-tomato salad. It is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy parents and beginners alike. You’ll love the delightful freshness and robust flavors packed into every bite of this delicious Mediterranean chicken bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

This recipe quickly became a favorite for good reason! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this flavorful Mediterranean chicken bowl:

• Quick & Effortless Dinner: This dish comes together easily, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components ahead of time for healthy, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Authentic Mediterranean Flavors: Each bite delivers a burst of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and bright citrus.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences.
• Balanced & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients to create this incredible Mediterranean chicken bowl.

• Chicken & Marinade:
  • 2 1/2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
• Spice Blend:
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 tsp Cardamom
• Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
  • 1 Cucumber, sliced
  • 1 Cherry Tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 Red Onion, diced
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
• Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 small Cucumber
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• For Serving:
  • 2 cups Cooked Basmati Rice
  • Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins instead of thighs. Adjust baking time as needed.
• Rice: Quinoa, couscous, or farro are excellent alternatives to Basmati rice, offering different textures and nutrients.
• Fresh Herbs: If fresh dill isn’t available, fresh parsley makes a wonderful substitute or addition.
• Olives: For an extra briny kick, toss in some Kalamata olives with your cucumber and tomato salad.
• Spice Adjustments: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa to the marinade if you enjoy a touch of heat.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. You’ll need just a few basic items for this delicious Mediterranean chicken bowl:

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Meat thermometer
• Box grater (for cucumber)

Instructions

Creating your delightful Mediterranean chicken bowl is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions.

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine all spice blend ingredients. In a large bowl or a Ziploc bag, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Pour the prepared spice blend over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Next, add the marinade ingredients: fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and Greek yogurt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the chicken is well covered. Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for best flavor, let it marinate overnight. Marinating chicken with ingredients like Greek yogurt and lemon juice can enhance its flavor and tenderness, as discussed in various culinary resources on marination techniques.

2. Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour the marinated chicken along with all the flavorful juices into a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) using a meat thermometer. For a lovely golden, slightly charred finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Once baked, let the chicken rest in the pan for about 10 minutes to lock in the juices.

3. Prepare the Cucumber & Tomato Salad

While the chicken cooks, prepare your fresh salad. Chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Combine these chopped vegetables in a medium bowl. Add the fresh chopped dill and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix everything gently, then season with a pinch of kosher salt to taste. Set the salad aside until you are ready to assemble your bowls.

4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce

For the creamy tzatziki sauce, grate the small cucumber into a bowl. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated cucumber to ensure a thick sauce. Add the fresh chopped dill, chopped fresh mint, Greek yogurt, two tablespoons of lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. Stir all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Cover the tzatziki sauce and set it aside, or chill it in the refrigerator.

5. Season the Rice

Once the chicken has finished baking and has rested, carefully reserve about 1/2 cup of the delicious pan juices from the loaf pan. Stir this flavorful portion of the juices into your cooked Basmati rice. This step infuses the rice with incredible depth and Mediterranean flavor, complementing the chicken perfectly. Add more juices if you prefer a richer taste.

6. Assemble the Bowls

Now for the best part: assembling your amazing Mediterranean chicken bowl! Transfer the rested chicken from the loaf pan to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange a generous portion of the seasoned rice in each serving bowl. Top the rice with the sliced chicken, then spoon on the fresh cucumber and tomato salad. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for a salty tang, if desired. Finish each bowl with a generous dollop of the homemade tzatziki sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra freshness.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Marination Time: Don’t skimp on marination! Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, ensures maximum flavor penetration for your Mediterranean chicken bowl.
• Resting Chicken: Always let your baked chicken rest for 10 minutes in the pan after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken.
• Flavorful Rice: For an even more delicious base, consider cooking your Basmati rice with chicken stock or adding a bay leaf to the cooking water.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 175°F (80°C) and no higher, keeping it wonderfully juicy.
• Tzatziki Consistency: To achieve a thick, creamy tzatziki, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out all excess liquid from the grated cucumber before mixing.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean chicken bowl in various ways, and keep it fresh for future meals!

• Serving: This flavorful bowl is fantastic on its own. For an extra treat, serve it with warm pita bread, a side of creamy hummus, or some crusty olive bread.
• Storage: To maintain freshness, store the cooked chicken, seasoned rice, and cucumber-tomato salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the tzatziki sauce separately as well.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and rice components in the microwave or oven until warm. Keep the fresh salad and tzatziki cold and add them just before serving to maintain their crispness and texture.

Variations

• Low-Carb Options: Skip the rice and serve your Mediterranean chicken bowl over cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini, or a bed of roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious low-carb meal.
• Added Texture: Boost the crunch by incorporating crispy chickpeas, toasted pita chips, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds.
• Different Sauces: While tzatziki is classic, try a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce or a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Enhance your bowl with extra veggies. Roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, grilled zucchini, or marinated artichoke hearts make excellent additions.

Nutrition Information

This delicious Mediterranean chicken bowl offers a balanced and hearty meal. The Mediterranean diet is widely recognized by institutions like Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health for its comprehensive health benefits.

Please note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should I marinate the chicken? Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes. For the most intense flavor, aim for 4 hours or even up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• Can I use quinoa, couscous, or farro instead of rice? Absolutely! Any properly cooked grain, such as quinoa, couscous, or farro, works wonderfully as the base for this Mediterranean chicken bowl.
• What sauces go well with Mediterranean chicken bowls? Beyond homemade tzatziki, try a creamy tahini sauce, a bright lemon-garlic vinaigrette, or even a thinned-out hummus for an extra layer of flavor.
• What are good toppings to add extra crunch or flavor? Consider adding pickled red onions, thinly sliced cucumbers, crispy chickpeas, or toasted pita chips for texture. Fresh herbs and crumbled feta also enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

This easy Mediterranean chicken bowl is truly a fantastic recipe that brings vibrant, fresh flavors right to your kitchen. With its simple steps and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for both beginners and busy families seeking a delicious and healthy meal. Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or preparing lunches for the week, this versatile Mediterranean chicken bowl is a winner. Give it a try and discover your new favorite!

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