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A vibrant mediterranean chicken bowl with grilled chicken, quinoa, tomatoes, feta, olives, cucumbers, and red onion.
Reda

Vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

A bright and flavorful bowl packed with lemon-herb marinated chicken, fluffy quinoa, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This healthy and satisfying meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Herb Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Quinoa Base
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed well under cold water
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
For the Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 1/2 cucumber grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
For Assembly
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Air Fryer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Cook the Quinoa
  1. While the chicken marinates, cook the quinoa. Add the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth) to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Toppings
  1. Prepare the tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Prepare the cucumber tomato salad: In another bowl, gently toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and toss to combine. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, a generous scoop of the cucumber tomato salad, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Meal Prep Tip: Cook the chicken and quinoa ahead of time. Store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Air Fryer Method: To cook the chicken in an air fryer, place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Variations: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Feel free to use other grains like farro or brown rice. For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or romaine lettuce.