Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful & Easy

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl recipes always remind me of a little family-run café tucked away on a narrow street in Thessaloniki. During my travels through Greece, I stumbled in one warm afternoon, hungry and tired. A cheerful older woman served me a bowl overflowing with juicy grilled chicken, vibrant vegetables, fluffy herbed rice, and a swirl of creamy hummus. That moment, sunlight on my back, the sound of clinking glasses, and the taste of zesty lemon, stuck with me.

Back home in my kitchen, I wanted to bring that memory to life in a simple, weeknight-friendly version. That’s how this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl came to be: a nourishing, balanced meal full of bold flavor and colors. It’s been one of my go-to recipes ever since, especially when I want something fresh, hearty, and comforting all at once.

Whether you’re cooking for one or meal-prepping for the week, this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is a wholesome way to enjoy lean protein, seasonal produce, and feel-good flavors. Let’s walk through how to make it perfectly at home.

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

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• Author: Sam
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

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Description

A vibrant and nourishing Mediterranean Chicken Bowl packed with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, herbed rice, creamy hummus, and bold Greek-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or quinoa)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup kalamata olives
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup hummus
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: tzatziki sauce, roasted chickpeas, pickled red onions

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
3. Divide cooked rice between two bowls. Top with chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
4. Add a dollop of hummus and sprinkle with parsley. Drizzle with olive oil or lemon juice if desired.
5. Optional: Serve with warm pita or a Greek-style salad on the side.

Notes

For meal prep, store chicken, rice, and veggies separately. Add hummus and sauces right before serving. This bowl can be customized with grilled halloumi, tofu, quinoa, or seasonal roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Bowl
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Here’s everything you need to bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked basmati or jasmine rice (or quinoa for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup kalamata olives
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup hummus
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ons:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Roasted chickpeas
• Pickled red onions

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl also works beautifully with seasonal swaps, like roasted zucchini or bell peppers in the summer or warm farro in colder months.

For more Mediterranean-inspired meals, check out this baked fish recipe or pair your bowl with a chickpea avocado salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the fridge).
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Assemble the Bowl:
   Divide the rice among two bowls. Arrange chicken slices, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta over the rice. Add a generous dollop of hummus and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. Customize:
   Drizzle with olive oil or lemon juice, and if you like, serve with warm pita or Greek-style salad on the side.

For more ideas, try it with roasted veggie bowls or a spoonful of this vegetarian feta salad for a complete spread.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Chopped mint, basil, or dill adds extra brightness.
• Don’t skip the rest time for your chicken, it helps keep the juices inside after cooking.
• Cook extra chicken and rice to use throughout the week in wraps or over salads.
• Use a base like garlic chicken veggie bowls for weekday variety.

Meal prepping? Store all components separately to keep everything fresh. Reheat chicken and rice just before assembling.

Easy Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Option: Swap rice with quinoa or millet. All other ingredients in this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl are naturally gluten-free.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or tofu marinated in the same spice blend.

Add Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

Different Sauce Base: Instead of hummus, try Green Goddess dressing or your favorite tzatziki.

How to Store & Meal Prep

If you’re making this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl ahead of time:

• Store the chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate containers in the fridge.
• Assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh.
• Hummus and sauces should be added last, or packed separately if prepping for lunch.

Storage Guidelines:

For best flavor, reheat chicken and rice, then add fresh veggies and sauces just before eating.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl isn’t just dinner, it’s a wholesome, colorful plate full of flavor and joy. Inspired by travel, grounded in simplicity, and perfect for everyday life, this bowl is one you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or cooking up something satisfying tonight, the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl delivers vibrant taste, variety, and balance. It’s exactly the kind of dish that brings family together at the table, just like that afternoon in Thessaloniki.

If you’re hungry for more bowl meals, don’t miss our teriyaki chicken bowl or garlic butter chicken bites for an easy weeknight fix.