Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Rice: Fresh, Fast, and Full of Flavor

We’re deep in our “build your own bowl” era over here. Why? Because everyone eats something different, and I’m not in the mood to be a short-order cook. Enter these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Rice, a meal that’s colorful, customizable, and somehow makes it look like you’ve got your life together (even if you're eating yours standing at the counter while packing lunchboxes).

Whether you’re serving picky kids, hungry husbands, or just trying to hit your protein goals, this bowl does it all. Tender spiced chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and hummus? Instant hit that everyone can DIY in a way they like!

🛒 What You'll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Plain yogurt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Minced garlic

• 1 ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp turmeric

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ red onion (optional)

• ½ cup kalamata olives (optional)

• Feta cheese, crumbled

• Fresh parsley or mint

• Hummus

• Sriracha (optional)

• Pita chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re a meal-prep legend).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Let rest a few minutes, then slice.

3. Make the Rice

Add butter, cumin, tumeric, and smoked paprika to a pan. Mix together and add rice to saute for a few minutes. Then make the rice as instructed.

4. Assemble Your Bowls

Start with rice, add sliced chicken, then load up with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a sprinkle of feta. Drizzle generously with the hummus, and other optional toppings. Serve with pita chips for a crunch.

Bonus: Let everyone build their own—makes dinner feel fun and reduces whining by at least 50%.

Why I Love This Bowl

• It’s meal prep gold - just double the chicken and rice and assemble throughout the week.

• It keeps everyone happy with build-your-own flexibility.

• It’s full of fresh, wholesome ingredients and still totally satisfying.

  
  

If you're looking for dinner ideas that feel like a little escape to the Mediterranean, this chicken bowl delivers big flavor without the stress. I also love it over mixed greens!