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Mediterranean Rice Bowl

Mediterranean Rice Bowl: Savory Chicken Skewers Awaits!

Delight in a Mediterranean Rice Bowl with marinated chicken skewers, vibrant flavors, and customizable ingredients for a quick meal prep solution.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Substitute with tofu for a plant-based option.
  • 1/2 cup Full Fat Greek Yogurt Low-fat yogurt can work too.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Any neutral oil can substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Finely grated or minced is preferred; garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Lime juice also makes for a great substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste You can omit it if it's not on hand.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Feel free to switch to smoked paprika for a different twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular table salt can be used if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or Thyme Interchange both herbs based on your preference.
For the Rice and Salad
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice Any long-grain rice can work just as well.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a suitable substitute for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Swap with bell peppers for a colorful twist.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Any fresh salad veggie can do.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Mint or Parsley Cilantro works as a lovely alternative.
For Serving
  • 4 pieces Naan or Pita Bread If you'd like to keep it low-carb, serve with rice only.
  • 1 cup Hummus You can try tzatziki for a refreshing variation.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Mixing Bowl
  • saucepan
  • Knife
  • Skewers

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cutting the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, kosher salt, dried oregano, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in this marinade until well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor infusion.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a beautiful char on the outside, indicating it's perfectly cooked.
  3. While the chicken is grilling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, sautéing them until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the basmati rice, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted, and then pour in chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly chopped mint or parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until ingredients are well-mixed.
  5. To assemble your Mediterranean Rice Bowls, start by dividing the fluffy rice pilaf among the bowls. Top each bowl with a generous serving of grilled chicken skewers and a hearty scoop of the fresh salad. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of hummus on top and serve with warm naan or pita bread on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and tomatoes. Experiment with proteins and veggies for unique twists.

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