Description
A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowl featuring tender chicken seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, served over turmeric-infused rice and topped with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice, chicken broth, and turmeric if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the chicken with the rice and distribute the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the chicken and rice mixture evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Final Touches: Drizzle each bowl with tzatziki sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add roasted vegetables or warm pita bread slices to make the meal more hearty and filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
