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
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
Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–12 hours.
Grill on medium-high heat (or pan-sear) for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and juicy.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
🔥 Pro tip: Thighs stay juicier and give that deep grilled color you see in the photo.
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
Mix everything until smooth.
Chill 15–30 minutes to let flavors bloom.
🥒 If you want it extra thick, strain the yogurt for 10 minutes first.
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
Cook rice/bulgur according to package directions.
Fluff with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
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.
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
Combine everything in a jar or bowl.
Let sit 15–20 minutes until pink and mellow.
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
7. Feta & Pita
Crumble good-quality feta
Warm pita or flatbread in a dry pan or oven
Assembly (the fun part)
In a wide bowl:
Spoon rice/bulgur on the bottom.
Add sliced chicken.
Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, onions, chickpeas/olives.
Add a generous dollop of yogurt sauce.
Sprinkle feta and fresh herbs.
Finish with olive oil, cracked pepper, and lemon wedges.
Make It Your Own
Add roasted zucchini or eggplant 🍆
Swap chicken for lamb, falafel, or halloumi
Drizzle with harissa or chili oil for heat 🌶️
