Lemon Chilli Grilled Chicken Bowls
A bright, refreshing, protein-packed Mediterranean bowl featuring juicy lemon-chilli grilled chicken (mild heat), a crunchy cucumber-herb salad, fluffy rice or quinoa, and silky hummus. Perfect for a balanced meal packed with flavor and fresh ingredients.
Prep: 20 minutes
Marination: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Cook: 15–18 minutes
Total: 1 hour (active 30 minutes)
Ingredients
For the Lemon Chilli Grilled Chicken
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (zest + juice)
1–2 mild green chillies
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Fresh Cucumber Salad
1 large cucumber
1 small tomato
¼ cup red onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving
1 cup cooked rice / quinoa / couscous
½ cup hummus
Lemon wedges
Optional: olives, pickled onions, toasted pita
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl combine: olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, green chilli, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and coat well.
Marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high.
Grease lightly with oil.
Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden with light char marks.
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
3. Make the Cucumber Salad
In a bowl mix cucumber, tomato, onion, mint, and parsley.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently and chill until serving.
4. Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl:
Add a base of warm rice/quinoa/couscous.
Add a big spoon of hummus on one side.
Add sliced grilled chicken.
Add fresh cucumber salad.
Garnish with lemon wedges, olives, and extra parsley.
Tips
Keep the chilli very mild (replace with a pinch of chilli flakes if preferred).
You can use yogurt instead of oil in the marinade for extra tenderness.
Make it low-carb: swap rice for leafy greens.
Meal-prep friendly — stays great for 2–3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! They stay extra juicy; grill ~5–6 min per side.
Is it spicy?
Not at all — the lemon balances everything. You can even skip chilli entirely.
Can I use store-bought hummus?
Yes! Or I can give you a homemade hummus recipe too.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 52g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 7g