| |

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe

If you’re hunting for a fresh and flavorful meal that feels both healthy and indulgent, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how the spices in the chicken meld with the creamy, tangy feta sauce — it’s a combo that keeps my family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, which means you can have a tasty Mediterranean feast on the table without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight dinner.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal fuss—perfect for busy nights.
  • Flavor Explosion: The spice blend on the chicken combined with the creamy feta sauce makes every bite exciting.
  • Customizable: Swap chicken with turkey, beef, or even lamb depending on what you have on hand.
  • Balanced & Nutritious: A rainbow of veggies, proteins, and grains all in a bowl, making it both wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe come together beautifully, balancing warm spices with fresh veggies and tangy feta. Most might already be pantry staples or easy to find at your local store, and they combine for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Flat lay of a small pile of ground chicken, a halved and finely diced yellow onion, a few sprigs of dried oregano and thyme arranged neatly, a scattering of whole black peppercorns, a few whole bright yellow turmeric roots next to a small pile of paprika powder and garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with crumbled fresh feta cheese, a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley and mint leaves, four halved and sliced Persian cucumbers, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pickled red onions, a small white ceramic bowl with roasted chickpeas, a portion of cooked jasmine rice shaped tidily, and a few torn pieces of warm pita bread, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce, Mediterranean chicken bowls, healthy chicken bowls, quick Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken recipes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Using good quality olive oil enhances the flavor and helps cook the chicken perfectly.
  • Ground chicken: I love its light texture, but you can easily substitute with turkey, beef, or lamb.
  • Yellow onion: Finely diced so it melts into the chicken and adds sweetness.
  • Kosher salt & garlic powder: Basic yet essential seasonings that bring out the other spices.
  • Spices (cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme): This combination turns simple chicken into a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired delight.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bright bite and balances the richness.
  • Cooked rice: Jasmine or brown rice works best—they soak up the sauce beautifully.
  • Roasted chickpeas: For crunch and protein; I swear by Biena brands, but regular chickpeas are great too.
  • Persian cucumbers: Their thin skin and crisp texture bring freshness.
  • Pickled red onion: This tangy zing cuts through the richness and adds vibrant color.
  • Torn pita bread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit.
  • Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce: The star of the show, offering creamy heat and zing—make sure to prepare this in advance or double batch it to snack on later!
  • Feta cheese, fresh mint, and parsley: Garnishes that add brightness, freshness, and a signature Mediterranean punch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe my own by switching up proteins and veggies depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s super forgiving and open to fun twists, so feel free to experiment and find what you love!

  • Protein Swap: Once I tried ground lamb instead of chicken, and wow, the earthy richness paired perfectly with the feta sauce—definitely give it a shot if you like bolder flavors.
  • Veggie Boost: Roasted bell peppers or sautéed spinach stirred into the bowl adds amazing color and nutrients.
  • Grain Alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice work wonderfully if you want a gluten-free or lower-carb option.
  • Mild Version: If you can’t handle much heat, tone down the spices in the chicken and keep the feta sauce mild by reducing the roasted red pepper’s spiciness.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Begin by making the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce—it’s such a game changer. I like to prepare a full batch and save half for dipping pita or drizzling on salads later. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with a slight kick from the roasted peppers. Having this ready first means the rest of the cooking flows smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken Perfectly

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once warm, toss in the finely diced onions and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Here’s a trick I learned: push the onions to the sides of the pan and add the ground chicken in the center. This way, the chicken hits the hot pan immediately for better browning.

Break up the chicken using a wooden spoon or meat masher, combining it gently with the onions. Then sprinkle on all your spices—salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and plenty of fresh black pepper. Cooking this over medium-high heat lets the spices bloom and creates a juicy, flavorful meat without drying it out. It should take you about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked with no pink bits left.

Step 3: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Now comes the fun part. Grab a shallow bowl and spoon a generous scoop of the feta sauce along one side. You’ll love how its creamy texture contrasts with the other ingredients. Add a half-cup of your cooked rice on the other side, then layer on about a quarter cup of roasted chickpeas over part of the feta sauce for a wonderful crunch. Next, pile a hearty scoop of the spiced ground chicken right in the center.

Finish this beautiful bowl off with crisp cucumber slices, a few tangy pickled red onion pieces, and drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on top. Don’t forget to crumble a little more feta and sprinkle fresh mint leaves and parsley to brighten the entire dish. Serve alongside warm, torn pita bread for scooping—it adds such a comforting touch.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe

  • Use Fresh Spices: I always make sure my spices are fresh—nothing beats the aroma of freshly ground cumin and paprika when cooking the chicken.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches or avoiding packing the pan too full helps with better browning and flavor development.
  • Rice Prep Ahead: I often cook the rice ahead and keep it in the fridge; reheats beautifully and saves time during dinner prep.
  • Balancing Flavors: If your feta sauce tastes too tangy, a little honey or olive oil stir-in balances the acidity wonderfully.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top these bowls with a handful of crumbled feta cheese because that salty punch is non-negotiable for me. Fresh mint leaves bring a cooling note that balances the spiciness, and chopped parsley adds vibrant color and freshness. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for richness and shine—it’s those little details that elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This bowl really stands on its own, but I love pairing it with warm, torn pita bread to scoop up every bit of sauce and goodness. For a veggie side, a simple Greek salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant make an excellent accompaniment. They keep the meal light and add even more textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve arranged these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls in individual mason jars layered with all the components—rice, chicken, chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta sauce—for easy grab-and-go portions that look so pretty. Another favorite is serving everything family-style on a big platter where folks help themselves. Both add a fun touch to your meal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the initial meal, I pack any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. The flavors actually intensify after a day, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just keep the feta sauce separate if you can, to maintain its fresh texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the spiced cooked chicken successfully—just portion it out before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I recommend freezing the rice and veggies fresh each time, but the chicken holds up well in the freezer to help meal prep ahead.

Reheating

Reheating leftover bowls is a breeze — I warm the chicken and rice together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Then I add the cool feta sauce just before serving so it doesn’t lose its creamy texture. This way, your leftovers taste almost as vibrant as freshly made!

FAQs

  1. Can I use another type of meat instead of ground chicken?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or lamb all work wonderfully in this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the meat’s fat content and be mindful of seasoning to complement the protein you choose.

  2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

    Yes! You can swap the spiced ground chicken for hearty roasted veggies like eggplant or mushrooms, or use spiced lentils or crumbled tofu for plant-based protein. Pair with the feta sauce and chickpeas for a filling vegetarian bowl.

  3. How spicy is the feta sauce, and can I adjust it?

    The Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce has a mild to medium heat level, but you can definitely customize it. For less heat, reduce the amount of chili in the sauce or substitute with sweet roasted red peppers. Want it hotter? Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

  4. What type of rice do you recommend for this dish?

    I love jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, or brown rice if you prefer something nuttier and higher in fiber. Both soak up the flavors well and complement the spices perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight repertoire because it feels indulgent without being complicated. I love how easy it is to prepare, and yet how layered and vibrant the flavors turn out. Once you start making it, you’ll have a reliable recipe that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and enjoy a little Mediterranean sunshine right from your kitchen!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Feta Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This vibrant 30-minute Mediterranean Chicken Bowl features spiced ground chicken cooked with aromatic herbs and spices, served alongside fluffy rice, crunchy cucumbers, roasted chickpeas, and a creamy homemade spicy roasted red pepper feta dip. Garnished with fresh herbs and warm pita, this bowl is perfect for a flavorful, wholesome meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip (½ batch)

  • ½ batch Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip (prepared according to recipe)

Spiced Ground Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey, beef, or lamb)
  • ½ medium to large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • 2 cups cooked rice of choice (jasmine or brown rice recommended)
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas (Biena brand preferred) or rinsed and drained regular chickpeas
  • 4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • Pickled red onion
  • Warm torn pita bread, for scooping

To Garnish

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Extra feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Fresh chopped parsley


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce: Make the dip according to the referenced recipe. Use only half the batch for the bowls, and save the rest to enjoy later as a snack.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until they become softened and translucent. Push the onions to the edges of the pan.
  3. Add and season the ground chicken: Add ground chicken to the center of the skillet. Break apart the meat using a wooden spoon or meat masher, mixing it with the onions. Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes total.
  4. Assemble the bowls: Spoon a generous scoop of the feta sauce on one side of a shallow bowl. On the other side, add ½ cup of cooked rice. Top part of the feta sauce with ¼ cup roasted chickpeas. Pile a serving of spiced ground chicken in the center.
  5. Add fresh toppings and serve: Scatter sliced cucumbers and pickled red onion over the chicken and rice. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and chopped parsley. Serve with warm torn pita bread for scooping and enjoy your wholesome Mediterranean bowl!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb depending on your preference.
  • Use jasmine or brown rice to add different textures and flavors.
  • Pickled red onion adds a bright, tangy contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Store leftover spicy roasted red pepper feta dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Warm the pita bread briefly in a dry skillet or oven before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star