mediterranean chicken bowl

Craving a sun-drenched escape to the Mediterranean? Let the bold, bright flavors of a Mediterranean Chicken Bowl transport your taste buds to the shores of Greece.

This well-balanced dish features tender honey harissa chicken, crisp Greek salad, cooling tzatziki sauce, and protein-packed quinoa—all topped with fresh herbs and feta for a vibrant, wholesome meal.

Ingredients List

Crafting the ultimate Mediterranean Chicken Bowl starts with high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully layered to build depth through texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Honey Harissa Chicken

• 1½ lbs Chicken Breasts or Thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Harissa Paste (adjust based on desired spice level)
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• ½ to 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

Greek Salad

• 1 pint Grape Tomatoes (halved lengthwise)
• 1 Hot House Cucumber (or 3–4 mini cucumbers, chopped)
• ¼ cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• Salt, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1½ cups Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
• 1 Cucumber, grated & drained of excess moisture
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1–1½ teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 3 Garlic Cloves, minced

Grains

• 1½ cups Quinoa (rinsed)
• Chicken Broth or Water (as per quinoa package instructions)
• Pinch of Salt

Optional Garnishes & Toppings

• Feta Cheese, crumbled
• 8–12 Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
• Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Required Kitchen Tools

Assembling a layered bowl like this becomes easier with some essential kitchen tools. Make sure the following are within arm’s reach:

1. Large Skillet or Frying Pan – To sear the chicken to caramelized perfection.
2. Mixing Bowls – For marinating chicken, combining salad, and mixing sauces.
3. Grater – To finely grate cucumber for tzatziki.
4. Chef’s Knife + Cutting Board – For precise veggie chopping and meat prepping.
5. Fine Mesh Strainer or Sieve – Ideal for rinsing quinoa and straining cucumber moisture.
6. Medium Saucepan – To cook quinoa until fluffy and tender.
7. Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For stirring during sautéing and sauce mixing.

Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking and ensure every component of your Mediterranean bowl comes out just right.

Cooking the Components

The magic of a Mediterranean Chicken Bowl lies in the harmony of its layers. Let’s prepare each element step-by-step for maximum flavor—from the sizzling chicken to the creamy tzatziki and fluffy quinoa.

Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Start with the sauce so it has time to chill and develop depth.

1. Grate and Drain the Cucumber:
   Grate 1 cucumber into a bowl. Using a cheesecloth, clean kitchen towel, or the back of a spoon in a mesh strainer, squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This helps keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • Greek yogurt
   • Grated cucumber
   • Minced garlic
   • Olive oil
   • Lemon juice
   • Red wine vinegar
   • Fresh dill
   • Salt to taste
3. Refrigerate:
   Cover and chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While the tzatziki chills, get your grains cooking.

1. Rinse:
   Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
2. Cook:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 3 cups of water or chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
3. Simmer:
   Cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid absorbs. Remove from heat and let sit (lid on) for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork for perfect texture.

Step 3: Sear the Honey Harissa Chicken

Now it’s time to bring the bold, smoky heat.

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix together bite-sized chicken with harissa paste, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly coat every piece. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
3. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Set cooked chicken aside to rest slightly before serving.

Assembly and Garnishing

Now that all your vibrant components are prepped and ready, it’s time to bring everything together into a satisfying, layered bowl that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Salad

Fresh and crunchy, this salad balances the spices of the chicken and sauce.

1. Chop the Veggies:
   • Cut grape tomatoes in half lengthwise.
   • Slice the cucumber into small half-moons or chunks.
   • Thinly slice the red onion.
2. Toss Together:
   In a bowl, mix tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Sprinkle with a touch of salt and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to draw out the juices and enhance flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Bowl

Here’s how to layer each component for maximum aesthetic and taste appeal:

1. Start with the Base:
   Spoon your cooked quinoa into the bottom of each bowl. Use about ¾ to 1 cup per serving.
2. Add the Honey Harissa Chicken:
   Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken over one section of the bowl. The caramelized edges will add texture and depth.
3. Scoop on the Greek Salad:
   Add a hearty scoop of the tomato-cucumber-onion salad beside the chicken.
4. Top with Tzatziki Sauce:
   Spoon a large dollop of your chilled tzatziki sauce over the chicken and quinoa, or drizzle across the top for that creamy, herby touch.

Step 3: Add Garnishes & Finish

Finishing touches can elevate your bowl from simple to sensational:

• Crumble feta cheese over the top for a creamy, briny edge.
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint for a refreshing pop of flavor.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for richness and sheen.

Serving Tips & Storage Instructions

With all components layered beautifully, your Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is ready to be enjoyed. But what if you’re meal-prepping for the week or want to store leftovers? Here’s how to serve and keep your creation fresh.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your bowl, personalization is key. Here are some tips to turn this into a true Mediterranean experience:

• Serve Warm or Cold: This bowl is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm right after cooking, or serve it cold as a meal prep lunch—it’s delicious either way.
• Add Pita or Flatbread: Serve alongside warmed pita, lavash, or naan to scoop up the creamy tzatziki and chicken juices.
• Pair with a Drink: A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon and mint complements the fresh, tangy notes of this dish.

For gatherings, assemble it buffet-style, letting guests build their own bowls with their choice of base, protein, and toppings.

Storage Instructions

A well-packed bowl can stay fresh, flavorful, and satisfying even after a few days. Proper storage helps maintain the texture and taste of each component.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 4 Days):

• Chicken & Quinoa: Store these in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or skillet before eating.
• Tzatziki: Store in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays good for 3–4 days but may need a quick stir before serving as it can release a little water.
• Greek Salad: Best stored separately from grains to keep veggies crisp. Add salt right before serving to prevent excess moisture.
• Garnishes: Keep herbs, feta, and olive oil drizzles in small containers for freshness.

Meal Prep Tip:

Assemble bowls ahead but leave tzatziki and salad on the side until ready to eat. Keeps everything at peak texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The beauty of the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl lies in its vibrant medley of spices, textures, and colors. From the smoky-sweet honey harissa chicken to the fresh crunch of vegetables, paired with creamy tzatziki and fluffy quinoa, this bowl is a satisfying fusion of nourishment and flavor. By following the steps above, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or make-ahead Sunday meal prep.

With a few simple kitchen tools and quality ingredients, you’ll find it’s easy to bring the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean right to your home table. So dig in, garnish fearlessly, and savor every bite—and don’t forget to make extra tzatziki (trust us, you’ll want it on everything).