Chicken Mediterranean bowl is more than a recipe it’s a memory I carry with me. Years ago, I shared a humble lunch in a stone home tucked into a hillside in Crete. The host served grilled chicken over spiced rice, with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a spoonful of yogurt on the side. That simple meal stayed with me.
Back home on the ranch, after a long morning tending to Rubby and the dogs, I craved something light but grounding. I remembered that bowl and decided to make it my own. With warm spices, fresh herbs, and creamy tzatziki, it became a comforting favorite.
Now, the chicken Mediterranean bowl is part of my regular rotation and yours too. Like the Grilled Chicken Power Bowl, it’s wholesome, filling, and beautifully simple. Every bite brings me back to that sunlit table across the sea.
For me, it’s not just about cooking. It’s about honoring where I’ve been and sharing that joy with others. This bowl does just that with love, balance, and tradition in every layer.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chicken Mediterranean Bowl: A Fresh Take on Flavor and Balance
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
Chicken Mediterranean bowl is a vibrant, high-protein meal with bold roasted chicken, golden spiced rice, fresh cucumber-tomato salad, and creamy tzatziki.
Ingredients
For the rice:
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (Basmati)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
For the chicken:
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
For the toppings:
1/2 cup tzatziki
1 cucumber, diced
7 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 teaspoons sumac
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste
A handful of flat-leaf parsley
Flatbreads (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix all chicken marinade ingredients in a bowl or container.
2. Add diced chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 480°F. Line tray with parchment and spread chicken in single layer.
4. Roast chicken for 20 minutes until charred and golden at the edges.
5. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, add turmeric and cumin, stir until fragrant.
6. Stir in rice and toast for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add chicken stock, salt, pepper. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
8. Turn off heat and steam with lid on for 10 minutes.
9. Mix cucumbers and tomatoes in a bowl with sumac, salt, and pepper.
10. Assemble bowls: rice, roasted chicken, salad, tzatziki, and parsley.
11. Add flatbreads if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternative if needed.
Store all components separately for best meal prep results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food Bowls & One-Pot Meals
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
How to Make the Chicken Mediterranean Bowl
Marinate the Chicken with Bold, Simple Flavors
To bring this chicken Mediterranean bowl to life, start with flavor. I use boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy even at high heat. Toss them in a quick marinade of lemon juice, garlic, Greek yogurt, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Let the chicken rest while you prep the rice 20 minutes is enough, but overnight is better if time allows.
Roast the chicken in a hot oven until it’s golden, with charred edges that lock in that herb and citrus flavor. That bold, slightly smoky taste is what makes this bowl so addictive. You’ll want to make extra.
Build the Base and Layer the Goodness
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice. Sauté turmeric and cumin in butter, then stir in long-grain rice and chicken stock. Let it simmer gently until fluffy. The result? A fragrant, golden base that anchors the whole dish.
As the rice finishes, chop fresh cucumber and tomatoes. Toss them with sumac, salt, and black pepper for a quick salad. Spoon the rice into a bowl, top with the roasted chicken, scatter the salad, and finish with a generous dollop of tzatziki. Flatbreads on the side? Always a yes.
This chicken Mediterranean bowl is full of contrast warm and cool, creamy and crisp, hearty and light. If this speaks to your style, you might also love the creamy pumpkin chicken skillet bowl, another one-bowl meal with soul.
Why the Chicken Mediterranean Bowl Is Both Nourishing and Flexible
Packed with Nutrients, Not Compromise
The chicken Mediterranean bowl isn’t just delicious it’s designed to fuel your body. Each serving gives you 38 grams of protein from the roasted chicken, plus complex carbs from the spiced rice. You also get healthy fats from Greek yogurt and olive oil, and a rainbow of vitamins from the salad topping.
It’s naturally rich in antioxidants thanks to ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and sumac. These support digestion, reduce inflammation, and add a bright, refreshing bite to every spoonful. With just under 500 calories per bowl, this is a meal that satisfies without slowing you down.
Want to make it even lighter? Skip the flatbread or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb base. Dairy-free? Swap in a coconut-based yogurt for the marinade and topping. The beauty of a chicken Mediterranean bowl is how easily it adapts to your lifestyle.
Custom Options for Any Diet
You can change the protein, too grilled halloumi or chickpeas work well for vegetarian versions. And if you enjoy high-flavor, one-dish meals like this, our Crispy Chicken & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl offers the same comfort with a southwestern twist.
This bowl is a blank canvas for bold flavors. Add olives, roasted red peppers, or feta for more depth. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving dinner for guests, the chicken Mediterranean bowl adjusts without losing its essence.
Meal Prep, Serving, and Storage Tips
Prep Once, Eat Well All Week
One reason I keep this chicken Mediterranean bowl in my regular rotation? It’s a meal prep powerhouse. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, cook the rice in bulk, and chop your veggies a few days in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge, and you’ll have meals ready to assemble in minutes.
Even better, this bowl doesn’t get soggy. The turmeric rice holds up beautifully. The chicken stays juicy. And the salad can be refreshed with just a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of sumac.
It’s the kind of dish that gets better by day two making it ideal for lunchboxes, busy evenings, or easy Sunday night dinners.
How to Serve It Right
You can serve the chicken Mediterranean bowl warm or chilled. For a heartier meal, warm the rice and chicken, then top with cool tzatziki and crisp salad. Prefer something light? Serve everything cold it’s just as flavorful.
Add warm flatbread on the side if you like. Or keep it low-carb and skip it altogether. This dish is flexible, not fussy.
For storage, pack in airtight containers. Most elements will stay fresh for 3–4 days. Just keep the yogurt and salad separate until you’re ready to eat.
The chicken Mediterranean bowl is about joy and balance and with just a little planning, it delivers both again and again.
Looking for more sweet inspiration?
FAQ about chicken mediterranean bowl
What are the ingredients in a Mediterranean chicken bowl?
A classic Mediterranean chicken bowl includes lemon-marinated chicken, turmeric spiced rice, cucumber-tomato salad, Greek yogurt or tzatziki, and fresh herbs like parsley. Optional additions include flatbread, olives, or feta.
What goes on a Mediterranean bowl?
Mediterranean bowls typically include a base of grains like rice or couscous, protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and creamy toppings like hummus or tzatziki. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon complete the dish.
Are Mediterranean bowls healthy?
Yes, Mediterranean bowls are incredibly healthy. They offer a balanced mix of lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and fresh vegetables. They support heart health, digestion, and sustained energy levels.
What is in the Panera Mediterranean bowl with chicken?
Panera’s Mediterranean bowl with chicken includes grilled chicken, arugula, red grape tomatoes, feta cheese, hummus, lemon tahini dressing, and a warm grain blend. It’s a hearty, protein-rich option inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors.