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
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800 g chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
Lemon Rice
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2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
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3½ cups water or chicken stock
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of ½ lemon
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½ tsp salt
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2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
Tzatziki Sauce
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1½ cups thick Greek yogurt
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1 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1–2 garlic cloves, finely grated
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt to taste
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2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Bowl Toppings
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Cherry tomatoes, halved
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Cucumber slices
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Thinly sliced red onion
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Crumbled feta cheese
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Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
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Lemon wedges
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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
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Add a base of lemon rice
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Top with shredded chicken
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Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion
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Spoon tzatziki generously over the top
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Finish with feta, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon
Serve with warm pita if desired.
