Mediterranean Chicken Bowl (serves 2–3)

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl (serves 2–3)

What’s in the bowl

• Spiced grilled chicken

• Herby yogurt-dill sauce

• Lemon rice or bulgur

• Tomato–cucumber salad

• Marinated red onions

• Seasoned chickpeas or olives

• Crumbled feta

• Warm pita

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1. Marinated Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add chicken and coat thoroughly.

3. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–12 hours.

4. Grill on medium-high heat (or pan-sear) for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and juicy.

5. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

🔥 Pro tip: Thighs stay juicier and give that deep grilled color you see in the photo.

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2. Creamy Yogurt Dill Sauce (Tzatziki-style)

Ingredients

• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt

• 1 small cucumber, grated & squeezed dry

• 1 clove garlic, very finely minced

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Mix everything until smooth.

2. Chill 15–30 minutes to let flavors bloom.

🥒 If you want it extra thick, strain the yogurt for 10 minutes first.

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3. Lemon Rice or Bulgur Base

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice or bulgur wheat

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Cook rice/bulgur according to package directions.

2. Fluff with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and herbs.

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4. Tomato & Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Persian or English cucumber, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

• Dried oregano

Toss gently and set aside.

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5. Quick Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup hot water

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Combine everything in a jar or bowl.

2. Let sit 15–20 minutes until pink and mellow.

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6. Chickpeas or Olives

Option A – Chickpeas

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano

• Toss and lightly sauté or roast until warm.

Option B – Olives

• Kalamata olives, lightly warmed or room temp

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7. Feta & Pita

• Crumble good-quality feta

• Warm pita or flatbread in a dry pan or oven

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Assembly (the fun part)

In a wide bowl:

1. Spoon rice/bulgur on the bottom.

2. Add sliced chicken.

3. Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, onions, chickpeas/olives.

4. Add a generous dollop of yogurt sauce.

5. Sprinkle feta and fresh herbs.

6. Finish with olive oil, cracked pepper, and lemon wedges.

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Make It Your Own

• Add roasted zucchini or eggplant 🍆

• Swap chicken for lamb, falafel, or halloumi

• Drizzle with harissa or chili oil for heat 🌶️