Description
This Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is bursting with bold spices, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner, it’s a vibrant, customizable bowl full of nourishing flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups lettuce or mixed greens
For Toppings:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped
- Optional: pickled onions, olives, or feta cheese
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Water, to thin as needed
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Let rest and slice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Add water gradually to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
- Assemble bowls: Start with your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Add the fresh vegetables. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with tahini sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or mint and optional toppings like pickled onions, olives, or feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
- This dish is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Adjust spice levels to taste by omitting or increasing cayenne pepper.
- The tahini sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired