Name: Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2.5 lb chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks); 1/3 cup lemon juice; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup yogurt; 2.5 tsp salt; 1.5 tsp black pepper; 1.5 tbsp garlic powder; 2.5 tsp onion powder; 2.5 tsp paprika; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp coriander; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1/4 tsp cardamom; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 cups rice (Royal Basmati recommended); 1 cucumber (diced); 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/4 red onion (chopped); 3 tbsp dill; 1.5 tbsp lemon juice (for salad); 1/4 tsp salt (for salad); 1 small cucumber (grated and squeezed dry); 2 tbsp dill (for yogurt sauce); 1 tbsp mint; 1.25 cups yogurt; 2.5 tbsp lemon juice (for yogurt sauce); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3/4 tsp salt (for yogurt sauce)

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Garlic Mediterranean Chicken Bowl. This dish features marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection, served over fluffy rice and topped with a fresh salad and creamy yogurt sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and colorful veggies in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family dinner, this versatile bowl is sure to impress. Dive into the burst of flavors and make your dining moments unforgettable!

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 lb chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch chunks)
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup yogurt
2.5 tsp salt
1.5 tsp black pepper
1.5 tbsp garlic powder
2.5 tsp onion powder
2.5 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp cardamom
1 tsp dried oregano
2 cups rice (Royal Basmati recommended)
1 cucumber (diced)
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 red onion (chopped)
3 tbsp dill
1.5 tbsp lemon juice (for salad)
1/4 tsp salt (for salad)
1 small cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
2 tbsp dill (for yogurt sauce)
1 tbsp mint
1.25 cups yogurt
2.5 tbsp lemon juice (for yogurt sauce)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3/4 tsp salt (for yogurt sauce)
1/2 tsp lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the chicken by mixing lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken chunks and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook rice according to package instructions or use a rice cooker.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown.
Prepare salad topping by dicing cucumber and halving cherry tomatoes; mix with chopped red onion and dill.
For the yogurt sauce, combine grated cucumber with dill, mint, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and lemon zest in a bowl.
Assemble the bowl: start with rice base topped with cooked chicken and salad; drizzle yogurt sauce over everything.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 500g)
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Marinate the chicken longer (up to overnight) for more flavor. Customize your bowl with additional vegetables like bell peppers or swap out rice for quinoa for a gluten-free option.