Name: Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets; 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup hummus, for serving; Extra lemon wedges and olive oil, for garnish

If you're looking for a crave-worthy meal that's fresh, colorful, and totally satisfying, these Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls are about to steal your heart! Tender, herby chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and an array of zingy toppings all mingle together for a bowl bursting with vibrant flavor.

This recipe is healthy yet hearty, incredibly easy to prep, and fully customizable. It's a must-try for busy weeknights or when you want something wholesome but far from boring.

Inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors and a personal obsession with grain bowls from my favorite café, this dish became a family favorite in no time. It's a crowd-pleaser for meal prep or a dazzling option for a casual dinner party.

Colorful bowl of Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls with lemon wedges, hummus, and fresh veggies

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, fresh Mediterranean flavors in every bite
Perfect for meal prep-stays delicious for days
Simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have
Easily customizable for different diets and tastes

Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

This is the star of the dish, bringing lean protein and acting as the perfect canvas for all those zesty Mediterranean herbs and spices. For juicy, tender results, slice the chicken into thin cutlets before marinating. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or swap in tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt creates a flavorful marinade that keeps the chicken extra moist and tender, while adding a slight tang. Use full-fat for richness or low-fat to keep things lighter. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works in a pinch.

Long Grain White Rice

Light, fluffy long grain white rice forms the comforting base of these bowls. Feel free to sub with brown rice for extra fiber, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice. Basmati works especially well for its aroma and less sticky texture.

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add bright pops of flavor and color. Slice them in halves for the best bite. Heirloom grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes make great alternatives.

Cucumber

Crisp cucumber provides a refreshing crunch that balances the savory chicken and creamy sauces. Use Persian or English cucumbers for fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Peel, seed, and dice if using regular cucumbers.

Kalamata Olives

These briny, deep-purple olives deliver an unmistakable Mediterranean touch. Pit and slice them before adding to your bowls. If you're not an olive fan, green or Castelvetrano olives are fantastic swaps or you can simply omit them.

Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls cooking process

Instructions for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Marinate the Chicken

Whisk Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken and turn to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours).

Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let it steam, covered, for another 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Sear the Chicken

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Let chicken rest, then slice or dice.

Prep the Toppings

While chicken cooks, chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and pit olives. Crumble feta and chop parsley if using. Set aside your garnishes and hummus.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and a scoop of hummus. Sprinkle with feta, drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, and shower with fresh parsley.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for a protein-packed vegetarian version. Both soak up the Mediterranean marinade flavors and taste amazing with all the fresh toppings.

Gluten-Free Option

These rice bowls are naturally gluten-free, but always double check your broth, feta, and hummus labels for hidden gluten, just to be safe.

Try a Different Grain

Change up the base by using brown rice for extra fiber, farro for a nuttier bite, or quinoa to pack in even more protein. Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative.

Go Dairy-Free

Easily make this dish dairy-free by skipping the feta and using a plant-based yogurt in the marinade. Try vegan feta or simply add extra olives for more impact.

Add a Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a little heat, stir some crushed red pepper into the marinade or serve your bowls with a drizzle of spicy harissa or chili oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls alongside warm pita bread or naan for scooping up the toppings and hummus. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad like Greek salad or tabbouleh, and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Top it off with tzatziki or baba ganoush if you want even more classic Mediterranean flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken, rice, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm chicken and rice together in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Cold toppings are best added after reheating. These bowls don't freeze well due to the fresh veggies, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls (FAQ)

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stove?

A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds delicious smoky flavor and is perfect for summer. Grill over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side.

Q: What are some good vegetarian protein options for these bowls?

A: Try marinated chickpeas, crispy tofu, grilled halloumi, or even falafel for plant-based protein that still packs a punch.

Q: How can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

A: Prep all components-chicken, rice, and toppings-in advance and store separately in the fridge. Assemble bowls just before eating for the freshest taste and texture.

These Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls are colorful, healthy, and totally satisfying-a true weeknight win! I can't wait for you to give them a try. If you do, please leave a comment or rating below to let me know how you liked them. Enjoy every bite!