Grilled Chicken Mediterranean Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

Before we start assembling our Mediterranean bowl, let’s gather everything you need. Trust me, having your ingredients ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Grilled Chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless): 1 pound
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: to taste

For the Bowl Base:

• Quinoa or cooked rice: 2 cups (choose your favorite grain)
• Chickpeas: 1 cup, rinsed and drained
• Mixed greens: 2 cups (spinach, arugula, or a mix)

For the Toppings:

• Cucumber: 1, diced
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
• Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
• Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup, pitted
• Feta cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
• Hummus: 1/2 cup
• Tzatziki sauce: 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• A sprinkle of sumac or za’atar for extra flavor

Preparing the Perfect Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is the star of this dish, so it’s essential to get it just right. Let’s break it down step by step.

Marinating the Chicken

Why marinate? It’s all about infusing the chicken with flavor and keeping it juicy. Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time.

Grilling to Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Building Your Mediterranean Bowl

Now comes the fun part—assembling your Mediterranean bowl. Here’s how to layer everything for maximum flavor and texture.

Start with the Base

Begin with a generous scoop of cooked quinoa or rice. Add a handful of mixed greens to one side of the bowl for a fresh, leafy crunch.

Add the Protein

Lay the sliced grilled chicken across the grains. This not only adds protein but also creates a beautiful centerpiece for the bowl.

Pile on the Veggies

Arrange the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives in small sections around the bowl. Keeping the ingredients separate makes the dish visually appealing and allows each flavor to shine.

Top It Off

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Add dollops of hummus and tzatziki sauce for creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some fresh parsley or dill.

Customizing Your Bowl: Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem. Here are some ways to customize your Mediterranean bowl:

Swap the Protein

• Use grilled shrimp, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Rotisserie chicken can be a quick alternative if you’re short on time.

Try Different Grains

• Replace quinoa with farro, barley, or couscous for a unique twist.
• For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.

Play with the Toppings

• Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle some nuts or seeds, like toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, for crunch.