Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
These Mediterranean Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, protein-packed meal featuring juicy seasoned chicken, fluffy couscous, crisp veggies, briny olives, and tangy feta—all tied together with a refreshing cilantro yogurt sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a balanced, delicious lunch or dinner, these bowls are easy to make and full of fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked couscous
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Cilantro Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until fully cooked and browned.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Cilantro Yogurt Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked couscous between 4 bowls.
Top each with chopped cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and sliced chicken.
Drizzle with cilantro yogurt sauce or serve it on the side.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately, or store in meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips
Use thighs for extra juiciness:
Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender than breasts, especially when reheated.
Let the chicken rest:
After cooking, rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.
Fluff couscous with a fork:
Once cooked, fluff couscous gently to prevent clumping and keep it light and airy.
Cool ingredients for storage:
If prepping for meals ahead, allow all components to cool before sealing in containers to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Customize portions easily:
Set up the ingredients buffet-style for family meals so everyone can build their own bowl to taste.
Variations:
Grain swap:
Use cooked quinoa, brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice instead of couscous for different textures or to meet dietary needs.
Add roasted veggies:
Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes for more Mediterranean flavor and nutrition.
Make it spicy:
Add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken marinade or stir a bit of harissa or sriracha into the yogurt sauce.
Try different sauces:
Replace cilantro yogurt sauce with tzatziki, tahini dressing, or lemon garlic vinaigrette for a new twist.
Vegetarian option:
Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for a satisfying meat-free version.
Extra toppings:
Sprinkle on chopped fresh parsley, pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or pickled red onions for added texture and flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! These bowls store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the yogurt sauce separately and drizzle just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Q: Can I eat it warm or cold?
A: Both! These bowls are delicious warm or chilled. Reheat the chicken and couscous if you prefer a warm bowl, or enjoy straight from the fridge for a refreshing lunch.
Q: Can I use store-bought sauce?
A: Yes. If you’re short on time, you can substitute the cilantro yogurt sauce with store-bought tzatziki or a garlic herb Greek yogurt dip.
Q: What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
A: Either chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner—use your preference.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional values will vary depending on portion sizes and exact ingredients used.
Calories: 480
Protein: 42g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Calcium: 12% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with cilantro yogurt sauce are a perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and savory flavors—healthy and hearty in every bite. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week or serving dinner for the family, they offer flexibility, bold flavor, and wholesome ingredients in a single bowl.
With simple, accessible ingredients and easy prep, these bowls bring the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen—no passport required!