Description
The Mediterranean Chicken Bowl combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh vegetables, plant-based feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing over a base of couscous or quinoa. This quick and nutritious dish captures vibrant Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a fast lunch or a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grains
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked couscous or quinoa
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, rinsed and pitted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Cheese
- 1/3 cup plant-based feta (plant-based cheese), crumbled
Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural seasoning)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural seasoning)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (natural), freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, dried oregano, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred on the outside. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Base and Veggies: Cook couscous or quinoa as per package instructions. Chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber, thinly slice red onion, rinse and pit Kalamata olives, and crumble plant-based feta.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This will brighten and tie all the fresh ingredients together.
- Assemble the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl: In serving bowls, layer cooked grain, fresh chopped vegetables, olives, and plant-based feta. Top with warm sliced chicken and drizzle the dressing over the entire bowl. Optionally, sprinkle extra dried oregano for a fragrant touch.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for up to 30 minutes for intensified flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best aroma and zing.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy; check internal temperature if possible.
- Briefly rinse olives to reduce saltiness and maintain flavor balance.
- Assemble and serve immediately for freshest textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bowl, healthy chicken bowl, grilled chicken, plant-based feta, couscous bowl, quinoa bowl, quick Mediterranean recipe
