Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

From: https://buttereats.com/mediterranean-chicken-bowl/

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, for more flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice (or a mix of both for variety)
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup roasted bell peppers (you can use jarred or roast your own)
  • 1 cup mixed greens or spinach
  • ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for halal)

For the Hummus:

  • 1 cup store-bought or homemade hummus (classic or roasted red pepper works well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Garnish:

  • A drizzle of tahini or tzatziki sauce
  • A sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for an extra burst of flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan, skillet, or barbecue grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. If using chicken thighs, they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
  3. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness.

SECOND STEP: ASSEMBLE THE BOWL

  1. Prepare the Base: Start by layering your choice of grains (quinoa or brown rice) in the bottom of each bowl. These grains act as the base of the dish and provide a hearty, fiber-rich foundation.
  2. Add Vegetables: Evenly distribute the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, roasted bell peppers, and mixed greens across the bowls. The freshness and crunch of these vegetables will add both flavor and texture to the dish.
  3. Top with Chicken: Place the sliced, cooked chicken on top of the vegetables and grains, ensuring each bowl gets a generous serving of protein.
  4. Add the Hummus: Scoop a few spoonfuls of hummus into each bowl, placing it beside the chicken. You can use classic hummus or experiment with different flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic hummus for variety.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle the bowls with kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese (if using), and fresh parsley. For a final touch, drizzle with olive oil, a sprinkle of za’atar, sumac, or tahini sauce for extra flavor.

THIRD STEP: FINAL TOUCHES

  1. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl immediately, either warm or at room temperature. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy hummus, and wholesome grains will leave you satisfied and nourished.