Herbed Chicken & Roasted Potato Rice Bowl with Tzatziki and Mediterranean Veggies
Description
This vibrant Mediterranean bowl features juicy herb-marinated chicken, crispy roasted potatoes, fluffy basmati rice, and a colorful mix of grilled or fresh Mediterranean vegetables. Everything is topped with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki and finished with lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for meal prep.
Time Overview
Step Time
Prep 20 minutes
Marinating Chicken 20–60 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Chicken 12–15 minutes
Roasting Potatoes 25–30 minutes
Cooking Rice 12–15 minutes
Assembling Bowl 5 minutes
Total Time 55–90 minutes (depending on marinade time)
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the Herbed Chicken
1.25 lbs (550 g) chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
½ tbsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Roasted Potatoes
3 medium golden potatoes, diced into ¾-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
Salt & pepper
For the Rice
1½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
2¼ cups water or broth
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Mediterranean Veggies
(Choose a mix you like—grilled or fresh)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (raw or sautéed)
½ cup Kalamata olives (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill
Homemade Tzatziki
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cup grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt & pepper to taste
Finish
Lemon wedges
Extra-virgin olive oil
Crumbled feta (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes prep + resting time)
Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add chicken and coat fully.
Marinate at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour.
2. Roast the Potatoes (25–30 minutes)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy and golden.
3. Cook the Rice (12–15 minutes)
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
Add rice, water/broth, butter/oil, and salt to a pot.
Bring to a boil → reduce heat → cover → simmer 12 minutes.
Rest 5 minutes, then fluff.
4. Cook the Chicken (12–15 minutes)
Option A: Skillet
Heat a large pan with 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add marinated chicken.
Cook 6–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Option B: Oven/air fryer
Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Air fryer: 380°F (193°C) for 12–14 minutes.
5. Prepare the Mediterranean Veggies (5 minutes)
Mix cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil & lemon juice.
OR grill the veggies lightly for added flavor.
6. Make the Tzatziki (5 minutes)
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeezed dry), lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Mix until creamy. Refrigerate until serving.
7. Assemble the Bowls
Layer in each bowl:
Rice
Roasted potatoes
Sliced herbed chicken
Mediterranean veggies
Generous spoon of tzatziki
Finish with:
Olive oil drizzle
Fresh herbs
Lemon wedge
Feta (optional)
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with cold tzatziki for perfect contrast.
Add hummus or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
FAQ / Q&A
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and work beautifully with the herb marinade.
2. Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Replace chicken with:
Roasted chickpeas
Falafel
Grilled halloumi
Marinated tofu
3. How long does this meal last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days. Keep tzatziki stored separately to avoid sogginess.
4. Can I meal-prep this?
Absolutely. Assemble everything except the tzatziki (add that fresh).
5. What rice works best?
Basmati or jasmine for fluffiness, or brown rice for a healthier option.
6. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes. Homemade tastes fresher, but store-bought works fine.
7. What veggies pair best?
Classic Mediterranean options:
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red onion
Olives
Bell peppers
Roasted zucchini or eggplant
8. How do I make the chicken extra flavorful?
Marinate longer (up to 8 hours) and add lemon zest or fresh herbs.