Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad
This hearty Mediterranean bowl brings together juicy spicy-garlic chicken, creamy hummus, fluffy rice (or grains), and a refreshing cucumber salad. Each bite hits all the right notes — savory, zesty, slightly spicy, and cooling. A complete, protein-rich meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Spicy Garlic Chicken:
1 lb (450g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
1½ tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp cumin
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Hummus Base:
½ cup classic or roasted garlic hummus
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
For the Cucumber Salad:
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp red onion, finely sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1 tbsp chopped parsley or mint
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
2 cups cooked basmati rice, couscous, or quinoa
1 tbsp olive oil
To Garnish:
Fresh parsley or mint leaves
A sprinkle of chili flakes or smoked paprika
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, cayenne, cumin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat.
Marinate for 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Set aside and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, parsley or mint, salt, and pepper.
Toss well and chill until serving.
4. Prepare the Hummus Base
In a small bowl, mix hummus with olive oil and lemon juice for extra creaminess.
Spread a generous spoonful on the bottom of each serving bowl or plate.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Add a scoop of rice next to the hummus base.
Arrange spicy garlic chicken over the rice.
Add a portion of cucumber salad on the side.
Garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes & Tips
For a lighter version, use cauliflower rice or bulgur wheat instead of white rice.
You can swap hummus with Greek yogurt dip or tzatziki for extra freshness.
To make it non-spicy, reduce or omit the cayenne and chili flakes.
For added crunch, top with roasted chickpeas or toasted pine nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep this bowl?
A: Yes! Store chicken, rice, and hummus separately in the fridge. Add salad fresh before serving. Keeps well for up to 3–4 days.
Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: Roasted peppers, zucchini, or carrots work beautifully with the hummus base.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: It’s already dairy-free! Just ensure your hummus contains no yogurt or cream.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: 420mg