Description
A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Bowl packed with tender, herb-seasoned chicken, colorful vegetables, and nutty grains. This wholesome and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick lunch or nutritious dinner, featuring bold spices, zesty dressings, and plant-based feta-style cheese for a delightful and satisfying meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Grain Base
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
Toppings and Dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta-style cheese (plant-based)
- Additional lemon juice (natural) and olive oil (natural) for drizzling, as desired
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil (natural), lemon juice (natural), smoked paprika, cumin, minced garlic, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade and let them rest for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the marinated chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly for the bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Grains: While the chicken is cooking, chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions until fluffy and ready to serve.
- Assemble the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl: In a bowl, layer the cooked grains first, then add the chopped fresh vegetables and herbs. Place sliced chicken on top and crumble plant-based feta-style cheese over everything. Drizzle any remaining dressing or extra lemon juice (natural) and olive oil (natural) over the bowl for added brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley and mint to enhance flavor over dried herbs.
- Cook grains using vegetable broth for deeper flavor.
- Monitor chicken cooking time carefully to keep it juicy and tender.
- Marinate chicken and chop vegetables ahead of time to save meal prep time.
- Balance crunchy veggies, soft grains, and creamy cheese for a satisfying texture combination.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, Chicken Bowl, Healthy, Gluten Free, Quick Dinner, Fresh Herbs, Plant-Based Cheese, Quinoa, Brown Rice
