Description
Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl — a healthy, protein-packed meal bursting with lemon, herbs, and veggies. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (white or tri-color)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa:
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Add quinoa and broth to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for best flavor). - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and water until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, layer quinoa, sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta. Drizzle with the lemon-tahini dressing and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Swap quinoa for couscous, farro, or brown rice if desired.
- Use Greek yogurt dressing or tzatziki for a creamy variation.
- Make it vegan by using chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan feta.
- Store ingredients separately for meal prep to keep everything fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes