Mediterranean Chicken with Feta Mezze Bowl
This mezze-inspired bowl features juicy marinated chicken, fluffy grains, crisp veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta. Served with a drizzle of lemon-garlic yogurt sauce or hummus, it’s vibrant, filling, and customizable.
Prep: 20 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40–60 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Base
2 cups cooked couscous, quinoa, or rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup arugula or baby spinach
For the Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken, cover, and marinate at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Cook the chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Prepare sauce
Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble bowls
Divide grains between bowls.
Add chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, greens, and feta.
Drizzle with yogurt sauce (or hummus/tzatziki).
Notes & Tips
Make it hearty → Add roasted chickpeas or grilled veggies (zucchini, bell peppers).
Meal prep → Chicken and grains can be prepped ahead and stored separately for 3 days.
Lighter option → Swap grains for cauliflower rice.
Extra flavor → Add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes, roasted or rotisserie chicken works—just season with lemon & oregano before adding to the bowl.
Q: What’s the best grain for this bowl?
A: Couscous is traditional, but quinoa or farro adds extra protein and fiber.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken with falafel or roasted chickpeas.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 46g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 6g