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Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls Recipe

Rahat
Transform your weeknight dinner with these vibrant Mediterranean chicken bowls featuring perfectly seasoned chicken, fluffy herb rice, and fresh Greek salad components. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality meal delivers healthy Mediterranean flavors with foolproof techniques for consistent results every time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Marinated Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5-2 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Herb Rice

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Greek Salad

  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 English cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Assembly

  • 8 oz block feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh dill sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pound chicken breasts to even 3/4-inch thickness for consistent cooking. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces, ensuring every surface is well-coated with marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes minimum, or refrigerate up to 2 days for deeper flavor development.
  • Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Bring 3 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil in medium saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low simmer, and cover tightly. Cook for exactly 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with fork and stir in olive oil and fresh dill.
  • Grate cucumber using large holes of box grater. Place grated cucumber in clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible - this prevents watery sauce. In a bowl, combine drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Look for clear juices when pierced with knife. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  • While chicken cooks, dice cucumber, tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. In a large bowl, combine prepared vegetables with Kalamata olives. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss with vegetables until evenly coated. Let salad sit to allow flavors to meld while finishing other components.
  • Divide herb rice among 4 serving bowls as the base. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, Greek salad mixture, and generous dollops of tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over each bowl and garnish with fresh dill sprigs. Serve immediately while chicken and rice are still warm, contrasting beautifully with cool tzatziki and fresh vegetables.

Notes

For best results, don't assemble bowls until ready to serve - store components separately to maintain optimal textures. Chicken can be grilled instead of pan-cooked for smoky flavor. Rice stays fresh refrigerated for 5 days, making this perfect for meal prep. Always squeeze cucumber dry for tzatziki to prevent watery sauce. Recipe doubles easily for entertaining or weekly meal prep.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
Keyword chicken tzatziki bowls, easy mediterranean bowl recipes, greek chicken bowl with tzatziki, healthy dinner, mediterranean chicken bowls
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