Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Whenever I find myself in need of a delicious yet nutritious dish, I turn to my beloved Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl. This bowl is a celebration of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that never fail to satisfy my cravings. I remember the first time I made it after a long day at work; I wanted something quick yet fulfilling. As I sliced the tender pieces of chicken and tossed them into a marinade of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, I could already sense the delightful experience ahead. The combination of quinoa, broccoli, and tomatoes creates not just a meal but a feast for the senses.

This dish perfectly embodies the heart of Mediterranean cooking. It’s all about fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Each time I serve this bowl, I’m reminded of sunny days filled with laughter and joy. The burst of colors from the broccoli and tomatoes against the creamy feta cheese makes the dish visually appealing, not to mention utterly delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend lunch, the Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is my go-to recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal.

What to Buy for Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

When crafting the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl, it’s essential to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the dish’s overall flavor and texture. The key players here are the chicken, quinoa, and seasonal vegetables that bring a burst of colors and nutrients to your bowl.

• 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast: A lean protein that cooks quickly, ensuring you have a satisfying base for your bowl.
• Olive oil: This heart-healthy oil is perfect for marinating and cooking, adding richness and flavor.
• Lemon: Freshly juiced and zested, it brightens the dish with its zesty flavor.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic richness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Dried oregano: This herb brings the essence of Mediterranean cooking to your dish.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances all the flavors in the bowl.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the dish.
• Easy Roasted Broccoli and Feta: A delicious blend of flavors that creates a delightful side.
• Easy Roasted Tomatoes: Their sweetness complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• Dried quinoa: A nutritious grain that serves as the hearty base for the bowl.
• Crumbled feta cheese: The finishing touch that adds creaminess and tang.

How to Prepare Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Making the Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is an enjoyable process that brings the kitchen to life. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you to create this delicious meal.

1. Start by slicing the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks. This allows the meat to absorb all the delectable flavors from the marinade. Place the chopped chicken into a gallon freezer bag.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. This marinade is the key to tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with flavor. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal it tightly, and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.

3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. You want to achieve a lovely golden color on the chicken that adds to the dish’s appeal.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the broccoli and tomatoes to the pan. If the pan looks dry, drizzle a little more olive oil to help warm the vegetables through. This step enhances their flavor and makes them a delicious addition to the bowl.

5. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, it’s time to prepare the quinoa. Rinse it in a fine mesh strainer under cold water; this removes any bitterness. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the rinsed quinoa. Cook it like pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Once cooked, drain the quinoa and fluff it with a fork. Return it to the pot, covering it with a kitchen towel and then a lid. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to steam, allowing it to become fluffy and tender.

7. To assemble the bowls, divide the fluffy quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture. The colors should be vibrant, making it visually appealing.

8. Season with more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you desire, drizzle with additional olive oil for extra richness.

9. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of each bowl for that creamy finish. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl.

Helpful Notes about Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Before diving into your delicious bowl, here are some helpful notes to keep in mind while preparing the Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy lunch the next day.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked quinoa and chicken separately for up to 3 months. Just thaw and heat before serving.
• Pairing: This bowl pairs beautifully with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or extra roasted vegetables instead.
• Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added pop of flavor.

Side Dish Ideas for Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

When serving the Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl, you can elevate the meal with a variety of delicious side dishes and accompaniments.

• Greek Salad: A refreshing side of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta drizzled with olive oil complements the bowl well.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth and flavor.
• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for scooping up your bowl ingredients.
• Yogurt Sauce: A drizzle of tzatziki or a lemon yogurt sauce adds creaminess and tang.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus can add a lovely crunch and vibrant color.
• Quinoa Salad: A simple quinoa salad with herbs and a zesty dressing can bring more texture and flavor to the table.
• Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, adding grilled shrimp can be an excellent protein option that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is truly a masterpiece of flavor and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. With its vibrant ingredients and ease of preparation, you’ll find it’s a dish everyone will love. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it—this bowl is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl

The ultimate Mediterranean comfort food! The Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl is packed with tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, drizzled with zesty lemon and topped with creamy feta. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this bowl is sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 3 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Large Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 6-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon juiced and zested
• 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Easy Roasted Broccoli and Feta
• ½ cup Easy Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 cup dried quinoa
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

 

• Slice the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks and add to a gallon freezer bag. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano and salt and pepper then add to the bag, seal, and marinade for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the broccoli and tomatoes to the pan with more olive oil if needed, and warm through.
• Meanwhile, cook the quinoa. Rinse it in a fine mesh strainer under cold water first. Bring a sauce pan of water to a boil over high heat, then add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and the quinoa. Boil it like pasta, until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, fluff with a fork, and return the quinoa to the pot, cover with a kitchen towel, then a lid and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
• To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa between the bowls and top each with half of the chicken and vegetable mixture. Season with more kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and drizzle with more olive oil if you'd like. Sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles and serve.

Notes

• Tip 1: The roasted broccoli and roasted tomatoes can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before adding to the cooked chicken to warm before composing the quinoa bowls.

Keyword Easy Mediterranean Recipes, healthy dinner ideas, Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, Quinoa Bowl Recipes

Previous PostEasy Garlic Bread

Next Post Raspberry Pie

Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!