If you’re craving a fresh, wholesome meal that bursts with flavor and color, Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls have your back! Packed with juicy grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp veggies, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing, this bowl brings a sunny Mediterranean feast right to your kitchen—no passport required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Meal Prep Magic: Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls are make-ahead friendly and stay fresh all week—lunches just got exciting!
- Rainbow of Flavors: Every bite is a celebration of zesty lemon dressing, briny olives, creamy feta, and juicy chicken, layered with vibrant vegetables and quinoa.
- Nutrient-Packed Fuel: Loaded with lean protein, healthy grains, and fresh produce, this dish powers you through the busiest days.
- Totally Customizable: Whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, or just picky, these bowls are easy to adapt to suit your tastes or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls lies in their simplicity—you’ll find every ingredient has a purpose! From the punchy herbs in the dressing to the crunchy, garden-fresh veggies, each item dances together for a bowl that’s deliciously balanced and a feast for the eyes.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: A good quality oil forms the base of your dressing and helps keep the chicken juicy when grilling.
- Fresh Lemons (juice & zest): Bring an irresistible citrusy brightness to both the marinade and the finished bowl.
- Honey: Just a touch for gentle sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy lemon and savory herbs.
- Garlic Clove: A flavor booster that infuses your chicken and veggies with that unmistakable Mediterranean depth.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Fragrant dried herbs lend an earthy, classic Greek flavor to every bite.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: Help all the flavors pop—season to taste!
- Quinoa: A protein-packed, fluffy base that soaks up the dressing and keeps you satisfied.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for marinading and grilling.
- English Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch with every forkful.
- Roma Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet tomatoes bring beautiful color and juicy goodness.
- Red Onion: Offers just the right punch, balancing sweetness and a little bite.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy feta ties everything together with that truly Mediterranean flair.
- Kalamata Olives: Their briny richness makes each bowl feel like a trip to the Greek islands.
Variations
One of the best things about Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls is that they’re endlessly customizable! Feel free to swap in your own favorite ingredients or tweak the bowls to fit your dietary needs or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Vegetarian Power: Simply skip the chicken and double up on roasted veggies, chickpeas, or grilled halloumi for a hearty plant-based bowl.
- Switch Your Protein: Swap chicken breast for boneless thighs, salmon, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak—each adds its own Mediterranean twist.
- Play With Grains: Cooked brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice all make excellent bases if you’re out of quinoa or want to mix things up.
- Dairy-Free Vibes: Omit the feta and add avocado slices or extra olives for a creamy, satisfying bite without the cheese.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by bringing your 1 ½ cups of quinoa and 2 cups of water to a simmer with a generous pinch of salt. Let it bubble away gently for about 12-15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and tender. Once it’s cooked, drain off any excess water, then set it aside to cool—it’ll be the canvas for all that Mediterranean goodness.
Step 2: Whisk the Lemon-Herb Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Really whisk it well so the dressing emulsifies, turning thick and glossy. This is your secret sauce for both marinating the chicken and drizzling over the bowls at the end.
Step 3: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Pour about a third of your freshly made dressing over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re completely coated (no need to overthink it—just give them a good toss)! Reserve the rest for dressing. Grill the chicken on a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high for 6-8 minutes per side, until beautifully charred and cooked through (165°F). Let them rest a few minutes before slicing—juicy chicken, guaranteed.
Step 4: Prep the Veggies and Assemble
Dice your English cucumber, chop the Roma tomatoes, and finely dice that vibrant red onion. Fluff your cooled quinoa and divide it among four serving bowls. Arrange the sliced chicken, colorful veggies, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives over the quinoa. Drizzle with the reserved lemon-herb dressing for that finishing zing!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give each bowl a final flourish—maybe a little extra feta or some freshly cracked black pepper—then dive in! Whether you’re eating at the table, the couch, or packing them up for lunch on-the-go, Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls never disappoint.
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls
- Marinade Magic: For even juicier chicken, let it marinate for up to 4 hours—just make sure to keep some dressing aside that never touches the raw meat for drizzling later!
- Quinoa Fluffing: After cooking and draining, spread the quinoa out on a wide dish to cool—it stays fluffier and more picture-perfect when assembling the bowls.
- Veggie Crunch: Dice veggies just before serving to keep them extra crisp and fresh, especially if meal prepping for the week.
- Grill Like a Pro: Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing; this locks in juices for every bite of your Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you let your personal style and taste shine! I love a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for even more herby brightness. Extra feta crumbles, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil really take these Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowls with warm pita bread, homemade hummus, or a simple side of tzatziki for extra dipping action. A small Greek salad or a bowl of lemony lentil soup is also a natural partner for these flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the ingredients in stripes or colorful sections over the quinoa for a restaurant-worthy look, or serve everything family-style so everyone can build their own Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl. For a party, offer toppings buffet-style for a customizable, interactive meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. Keep the reserved dressing separate until just before serving—this way your grains and veggies stay crisp and vibrant!
Freezing
You can freeze cooked, plain quinoa and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months—just avoid freezing the fresh veggies and feta, as they won’t have the right crunch once thawed. Assemble fresh when ready to eat for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave the quinoa and chicken (minus the veggies and feta) until warm, then top with your fresh veggies, olives, and dressing. These bowls are also delicious cold, making them a versatile lunch for busy days!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of protein in these Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken thighs, salmon, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas are all wonderful substitutions. The zesty marinade works well with a variety of proteins—just adjust your cook time as needed for the best results.
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How far in advance can I meal prep Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls?
You can meal prep these bowls up to four days ahead. Store the dressing separately to keep everything crisp, and assemble your bowls fresh each day for best taste and texture.
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What can I use instead of quinoa in this recipe?
If you’re out of quinoa, try brown rice, farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The flavors will still shine and you’ll have a delicious base for your toppings!
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Are Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls gluten-free?
Yes, as written, these bowls are completely gluten-free thanks to the quinoa base! Just double-check that any additional ingredients, like pita bread or store-bought dressings, are also gluten-free if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that’s as good for you as it is beautiful and deeply satisfying. I hope these Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls become your new go-to—perfect for laid-back nights, meal prep marathons, or any time you want a taste of sunshine on your table. Enjoy every zesty, colorful bite!
Print
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken Bowl recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring tender grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Dressing/Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 lemons juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Kosher pepper to taste
Quinoa Bowls
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa uncooked
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1 English cucumber diced
- 4 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 red onion medium, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup kalamata olives pitted
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Add the quinoa, water, and salt to a saucepan. Simmer until tender, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare Dressing/Marinade: Combine all ingredients in a jar and emulsify.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken in 1/3 of the marinade and grill until cooked.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide quinoa among bowls, top with chicken, veggies, feta, olives, and dressing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Use any oil like avocado or grapeseed.
- Avoid overcooking chicken for best texture.
- Variation: Use boneless chicken thighs for a twist.
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add more veggies.
- If meal prepping, store dressing separately until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
