Devastating Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls in 30

Okay, friends, let’s talk dinner! I’m SO excited to share my recipe for Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls. Seriously, these bowls are a game-changer. They’re bursting with flavor, surprisingly quick to throw together (we’re talking weeknight-friendly!), and honestly, pretty darn good for you. I’ve been making these for years, tweaking them until they’re *just* right. And believe me, my family begs for them – even my picky eater! The combo of warm spices, fresh veggies, and that creamy feta dip? Unbeatable.

I first started making something like this when I was trying to eat healthier but was totally bored with salads. These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are my answer! They’re packed with protein and full of flavor. Now everyone I know is making them!

Why You’ll Love These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? These bowls are kind of my obsession, and I think they’ll be yours too. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

Thirty minutes, tops! That’s all it takes to get these Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls on the table. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re starving but don’t want to order takeout. Trust me, it’s faster (and way tastier!) than delivery.

Bursting with Mediterranean Flavors

Wow, the flavor! The warm spices, the salty feta, the fresh herbs…it’s like a party in your mouth! The combination of cumin, oregano, and paprika with the cool cucumber and mint is just *chef’s kiss*.

Customizable to Your Liking

Don’t like chicken? No problem! Swap it out for ground turkey, lamb, or even beef. Veggie lover? Load up on your favorites! Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant – anything goes! And the toppings? Feta, olives, hummus… make it *your* bowl!

A Healthy and Balanced Meal

These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a meal you can feel good about eating. All those fresh ingredients mean tons of vitamins and nutrients, too! So dig in!

Ingredients for Your Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls. Don’t worry, it looks like a lot, but it’s mostly spices and fresh stuff, I promise!

For the Spiced Ground Chicken

• 1 pound ground chicken (or ground turkey, if that’s your jam!)
• Half of a medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup, give or take!)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Half a teaspoon dried thyme
• Lots of freshly ground black pepper (I’m talking a good 1/4 teaspoon, at least!)

Base and Toppings

• 2 cups of cooked rice (I’m a sucker for jasmine, but brown rice works great too!)
• 1 cup roasted chickpeas (I love the Biena brand, but regular ol’ rinsed and drained chickpeas are totally fine!)
• 4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced (the little guys – they’re less watery!)
• Pickled red onion (store-bought is fine, or make your own – recipe coming soon!)
• Warm pita bread, for scooping (I like to lightly toast mine!)
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Extra feta, crumbled (because you can *never* have too much feta!)
• Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• Fresh chopped parsley

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

You’ll need half a batch of my Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip. Seriously, don’t skip this! It’s what *makes* the bowl. The full recipe is linked separately, so go check it out! You’ll have extra for snacking later, which is always a win!

How To Prepare Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are super easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, healthy meal in no time!

Make the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

First things first, you’ll need that amazing Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip. Head over to that recipe (it’s linked above!) and whip up half a batch. Seriously, this stuff is liquid gold. You can make it ahead of time, too, which is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken cooked up! Grab a big skillet and drizzle in a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. You don’t want it to brown too much!

Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add your ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Season it with the salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, and thyme. Don’t be shy with the black pepper! Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so you don’t end up with big clumps.

**Important:** Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe!

Assemble Your Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Time to build our masterpiece! Grab your favorite bowl. On one side, dollop a generous spoonful (or two!) of that Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip. On the other side, add your cooked rice. Top the feta dip with the roasted chickpeas. Then, pile that flavorful spiced ground chicken right in the middle!

Finally, add the cucumbers and pickled red onion. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, crumble some extra feta on top (because, why not?), and garnish with fresh mint and parsley. Serve with warm pita bread for scooping up all that goodness! Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for the Best Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Want to take your Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls to the next level? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make them *absolutely* perfect!

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Nobody likes dry chicken! The key is to cook it just until it’s no longer pink inside. Overcooked chicken will be tough and lose all its flavor. A little moisture is your friend! I always use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Use High-Quality Feta

Seriously, splurge on the good stuff! A flavorful, creamy feta makes all the difference. Skip the pre-crumbled stuff and get a block of feta in brine. You won’t regret it!

Toast Your Pita Bread

Okay, this is a game-changer. Lightly toasting your pita bread adds a *delicious* crispy texture that complements the soft rice and chicken perfectly. I just pop mine in the toaster for a minute or two. So good!

Variations for Your Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Okay, so you’ve made the classic Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls and you’re obsessed, right? Now it’s time to get a little creative! Here are a few fun variations to mix things up and keep your taste buds happy!

Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Lamb

Want a richer, more intense flavor? Swap out the ground chicken for ground lamb! Just follow the recipe exactly as written, but use lamb instead. The lamb pairs *amazingly* with the spices and feta. Trust me on this one!

Vegetarian Spiced Mediterranean Bowls

Going meatless? No problem! Skip the chicken altogether and load up on extra chickpeas or your favorite roasted vegetables. Roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or broccoli would be delicious! You could even add some grilled halloumi for extra protein and salty flavor.

Add Different Vegetables

Get creative with your veggies! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant would all be fantastic additions. Just toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite spices, then roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. So yummy!

Serving Suggestions for Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but if you’re looking to round things out or impress some guests, here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside ’em!

Serve with a Side Salad

A simple green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette is the perfect light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the bowls. Just toss some lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Easy peasy!

Offer Extra Pita Bread

Seriously, you can never have too much pita bread! Warm, soft pita is perfect for scooping up all the delicious bits and pieces from the bottom of the bowl. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pita pocket?

A Glass of Refreshing Iced Tea

A tall glass of iced tea is the perfect beverage pairing for these bowls. I like to add a slice of lemon or orange for extra flavor. So refreshing and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are just as delicious the next day. Here’s the best way to store and reheat them so they’re still amazing.

Storing Leftovers

The key is to store everything separately! Keep the chicken, rice, and toppings in their own airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents things from getting soggy and keeps the flavors fresh. I usually use these glass containers. They’re the best!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the rice to keep it from drying out. Don’t reheat the fresh toppings – add those after you’ve warmed everything else up. That way, your cucumbers and fresh herbs stay crisp and yummy!

Nutritional Information for Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Okay, let’s talk numbers! If you’re curious about the nutritional info for these Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls, here’s a rough estimate per serving.

Keep in mind that these are just approximations, and the actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, at least you’ll have a general idea!

• Calories: About 550
• Fat: Around 30g
• Protein: A whopping 35g!
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 40g

Not too shabby, right? These bowls are a delicious *and* nutritious way to fuel your body!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Got questions about these Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls? I got you! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! If you’re not a chicken fan, you can totally swap it out for ground turkey, ground lamb, or even ground beef. Each one will give the bowl a slightly different flavor, so experiment and see what you like best! I especially love lamb – it’s SO good with those Mediterranean spices!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, I often do! The spiced chicken and the rice can both be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip can also be made a day or two in advance. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls! This is a HUGE time-saver on busy weeknights.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Good question! As written, the Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are naturally gluten-free, *except* for the pita bread. If you need to keep it 100% gluten-free, just use gluten-free pita bread or skip it altogether. The bowls are still delicious without it!

Enjoy Your Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls: Rate, Comment, and Share!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you love these Spiced Mediterranean Chicken Bowls as much as my family does. If you give them a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And hey, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media. Happy cooking!

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