Mediterranean Shredded Chicken Rice Bowl with Tzatziki
A complete Mediterranean-style bowl with lemon rice, tender spiced chicken, creamy tzatziki, feta, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Chicken
800 g chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Rice
2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
3½ cups water or chicken stock
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
Tzatziki Sauce
1½ cups thick Greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1–2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Bowl Toppings
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber slices
Thinly sliced red onion
Crumbled feta cheese
Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
Lemon wedges
Pita bread (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and coat well.
Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
2. Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until well browned and fully cooked.
Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then shred or slice.
3. Prepare the lemon rice
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
Bring water or stock to a boil, add rice, oil/butter, and salt.
Cover and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes until rice is tender.
Fluff with a fork and mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and herbs.
4. Make the tzatziki
In a bowl, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
Mix well and refrigerate for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Assemble the bowl
Add a base of lemon rice
Top with shredded chicken
Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion
Spoon tzatziki generously over the top
Finish with feta, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon
Serve with warm pita if desired.
