For the Bowl Toppings:
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup chickpeas (canned, drained, and rinsed)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Dash of paprika (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F or 75°C).
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
Add rice, salt, and cumin. Cover and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a base of rice.
Add sliced grilled chicken.
Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas.
Add a scoop of tzatziki sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve immediately with warm pita bread or a side of hummus.
Tips & Variations for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl
Tips for the Best Bowl:
✅ Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper, richer flavors.
✅ Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs elevate the dish’s taste and texture.
✅ Fluffy Rice Trick: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier rice.
✅ Crispy Chickpeas Option: For extra crunch, roast the chickpeas in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes with a drizzle of olive oil and spices.
✅ Make it a Meal Prep Dish: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days and assemble when ready to eat.
Recipe Variations:
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or falafel.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with harissa for extra heat.
Extra Creaminess: Top with sliced avocado or a spoonful of hummus.
Turn It into a Wrap: Wrap all the ingredients in a warm pita or flatbread for a handheld meal.
Q&A for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl
❓ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
✅ Yes! Store the chicken, rice, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble when ready to eat.
❓ Can I use a different protein?
✅ Absolutely! Try grilled shrimp, lamb, tofu, or even salmon for a different take.
❓ How do I make it dairy-free?
✅ Swap Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
❓ Can I meal prep this for the week?
✅ Yes! Divide everything into meal prep containers, but keep the tzatziki separate to prevent sogginess.
❓ How do I reheat this dish?
✅ Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add fresh veggies and tzatziki before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~450-500 kcal
Protein: ~40g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fats: ~12g
Fiber: ~6g
Sugar: ~4g
Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.
