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Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe Easy Meal Prep for Healthy Dinners

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A fresh, filling, and easy Mediterranean chicken bowl perfect for healthy dinners and meal prep. Combines juicy herb-marinated chicken with crisp veggies, grains, and optional creamy tzatziki.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley or fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (optional)
  • Optional: small-cube feta cheese
  • Optional: smoked paprika or chili flakes for spice
  • Optional: balsamic glaze and toasted pine nuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Cook the grain: Prepare quinoa, brown rice, or couscous according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the veggies: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, dice bell pepper, and slice kalamata olives. Toss with a pinch of salt and a splash of olive oil.
  4. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked grain among 4 containers or plates. Top with sliced chicken, fresh veggies, olives, and a spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint.
  6. Storage tips: Keep tzatziki separate if meal prepping. Reheat chicken and grain gently or enjoy cold.

Notes

Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor; rest chicken before slicing to keep juicy; avoid overcrowding pan to get a good sear; keep tzatziki separate when storing to prevent sogginess; reheat gently or enjoy cold; variations include vegetarian swaps and seasonal veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bowl, healthy dinner, meal prep, easy recipe, chicken recipe, quinoa bowl, healthy meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/mediterranean-chicken-bowl-recipe-easy-meal-prep-for-healthy-dinners/