This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl is a colorful, protein-packed meal with tons of fresh ingredients. With tender spiced chicken, fluffy rice, and a mix of colorful toppings, it's a healthy, filling plate that's a breeze to whip up any day of the week!
Do you like chicken recipes? Try my Baked Chicken Breast.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed - Juicy, spiced chicken, fluffy rice and crisp toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes and feta deliver bold Mediterranean flavor in each bite.
- Quick & Easy - This recipe is ready in about 35 minutes, which is ideal for busy weeknight dinners or food prep.
- Full of Fiber - Chickpeas add plant-based protein and plenty of fiber alongside the chicken.
- Customizable - Just switch out the ingredients to fit your diet-substitute quinoa for rice, use hummus, or make it vegetarian with chickpeas or falafel!
- Prep Ahead - Cook each part ahead of time and put the bowls together whenever you're hungry, which makes them perfect for meal prep.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breast - The protein-packed star of the dish, marinated in Mediterranean spices and grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection. It provides a hearty, savory counterpoint to the fresh ingredients.
- Rice - A fluffy, neutral background that soaks up all the goodness, a filling and comforting foundation for the bowl. You can use white, brown, even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Chickpeas - These fiber-packed legumes contribute a creamy texture with a protein punch, making this dish heartier and more nutritious. They also add to the Mediterranean authenticity of the bowl.
- Cherry Tomatoes - They are sweet and juicy and provide a refreshing break from the savory and creamy elements.
- Cucumber - A crisp and hydrating component that gives a cool, refreshing crunch, balancing the spices and creamy textures.
- Red Onion - Adds the sharp, somewhat sweet bite that builds flavor complexity. You can slice it raw for a bold flavor or briefly pickle it for a milder, tangy accent.
- Parsley - A bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts every bite. It knits together all the ingredients and gives them a leg up on that Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Hummus - a creamy, nutty spread made from ground chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. It adds richness and depth while being a flavorful, protein-packed accompaniment to the bowl.
- Tzatziki Sauce - This cool, tangy yogurt sauce made with garlic, cucumber and dill adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and rice. It also gives the bowl a richer creaminess.
- Greek Dressing - An herby, zesty vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, spices, that really pulls everything together. It gives the dish a bright citrusy tang that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Feta Cheese - The final punch! This salty, tangy and slightly crumbly cheese rounds out the bowl with its creamy richness, lending it an extra layer of flavor that really brings everything together.
How to Make Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
- Prepare the rice - Prepare your choice of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and reserve.
- Prepare the Chicken - The chicken breast is seasoned with Mediterranean spices (i.e. oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper). Grill, pan-sear or bake until cooked through, let it rest for 5 minutes so it stays juicy, then cut into strips.
- Prep the Vegetables & Chickpeas - Cut the cucumber into diced pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Using a colander, rinse and drain the chickpeas.
- Make the Sauces & Dressing - If making from scratch, make the tzatziki sauce, hummus, or Greek dressing. Otherwise, store-bought examples can work well.
- Assemble the Bowls - Divide the rice among serving bowls and top with sliced chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. Top with a scoop of hummus; drizzle with tzatziki and Greek dressing.
- Finish & Serve - Top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve right away and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl!
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap - Use grilled shrimp, salmon, lamb or a plant-based swap like falafel or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Grain Replacements - Substitute quinoa, couscous, farro or cauliflower rice for rice for a different texture and nutrition profile.
- Dressing & Sauces - Replace the tzatziki with garlic yogurt sauce or tahini dressing, and for a citrusy kick, opt for a lemon vinaigrette instead of Greek dressing.
- Vegan Option - Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with dairy-free alternatives such as cashew-based feta cheese or additional hummus for creaminess.
- Extra Add-Ins - Enhance the flavor with olives, roasted red peppers, avocado, or a shower of toasted pine nuts for some extra crunch and richness.
- Harissa Chicken: Season the chicken with harissa instead of the Greek spices for a smoky, spicy bowl that tastes a lot like CAVA's.
- Add Greens: Tuck chopped romaine or your favorite salad mix into one side of each bowl, away from the warm rice so the leaves stay crisp.
- Fresh Mint: Scatter some chopped mint over the top with the parsley for a cool, fresh finish.
Pro Tips
- Marinate the Chicken - For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Fluff the Rice - Once the rice is done, let it rest a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork to keep it from sticking to itself and cooking into clumps.
- Use Fresh Ingredients - Fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables and quality feta cheese are well worth the effort in terms of flavor and texture.
- Layer for Better Texture - Make sauces and dressings to drizzle on top just before serving so the rice doesn't get soggy and every bite tastes fresh and delicious.
- Tame the Red Onion: If raw onion is too sharp for you, soak the slices in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes or so, then drain. They'll taste much milder.
- Revive Leftover Rice: Before microwaving leftover rice, splash it with a little water. The steam makes it soft and fluffy again.
How To Store a Greek Chicken Bowl
- Store Ingredients Separately - For freshness and to avoid sogginess, store the chicken, rice, veggies and sauces in separate airtight containers.
- Refrigerate Well - Store all in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring to avoid excess moisture from developing.
- Reheat the Right Way - Warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your bowl, then add the fresh veggies and sauces for the best possible texture.
- Meal Prep Tip - Prep bowls in meal prep containers but keep tzatziki, hummus and dressing in small containers so you can mix them before eating.
- Freezing: The cooked chicken keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then enjoy it cold or warm it in the microwave before building your bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the bowls ahead of time?
Yes! When you meal prep Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls, store the cooked chicken, rice and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and assemble just before eating. Serve sauces like tzatziki and hummus on the side, to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Could I add anything else to the bowls?
Absolutely! You can add flavor and texture to your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls with extras such as kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, avocado or toasted pine nuts. For a bright, tangy kick, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of sumac!
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Up to a day. Any longer and the lemon juice starts turning the chicken soft and mushy. You can mix the marinade 2 to 3 days ahead, though, and add the chicken the night before.
What can I use instead of tzatziki if I don't have any?
Try a green tahini sauce, a tahini yogurt sauce or even a spoonful of sun-dried tomato or basil pesto. Creamy whipped feta works beautifully too.
Can I cook the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, flipping it halfway, until it's golden outside and reaches 165°F inside.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your store-bought hummus, tzatziki and Greek dressing are gluten-free, so check the labels. The chicken, rice, chickpeas, vegetables and feta are naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve the bowls warm or cold?
Both work! Serve them warm for a cozy dinner, or enjoy the leftovers cold for an easy packed lunch.
What can I serve alongside these bowls for a bigger meal?
For extra-hungry appetites, add warm, soft pita bread or a handful of crispy pita chips on the side.
If you tried this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls (SUPER Easy!) or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls (SUPER Easy!)
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl is a colorful, protein-packed meal with tons of fresh ingredients. With tender spiced chicken, fluffy rice, and a mix of colorful toppings, it's a healthy, filling plate that's a breeze to whip up any day of the week!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 504kcal
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken:
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts 1 lb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas canned, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
For the Sauces & Dressing:
- ½ cup tzatziki sauce
- ½ cup hummus
- 2 tablespoons Greek dressing
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the rice - Prepare your choice of rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and reserve.
- Prepare the Chicken - The chicken breast is seasoned with Mediterranean spices (i.e. oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper). Grill, pan-sear or bake until cooked through, let it rest for 5 minutes so it stays juicy, then cut into strips.
- Prep the Vegetables & Chickpeas - Cut the cucumber into diced pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Using a colander, rinse and drain the chickpeas.
- Make the Sauces & Dressing - If making from scratch, make the tzatziki sauce, hummus, or Greek dressing. Otherwise, store-bought examples can work well.
- Assemble the Bowls - Divide the rice among serving bowls and top with sliced chicken, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. Top with a scoop of hummus; drizzle with tzatziki and Greek dressing.
- Finish & Serve - Top with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve right away and enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl!
NUTRITION
Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1013mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 726IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 1mg
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