Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this mouthwatering Chicken Mediterranean Bowl featuring chicken kebab and flavorful dill rice. Packed with a fusion of fresh ingredients and seasoned to perfection, this dish captures essence of sunny days and seaside feasts!
Having explored the vibrant Mediterranean markets and tasted the diverse culinary offerings during my travels, I was captivated by the freshness of ingredients, the aromatic herbs, and the bold spices that characterize Mediterranean cuisine. Recreating this bowl allows me to transport not just my taste buds, but my entire being, back to those sun-drenched moments and the warmth of seaside kitchens.
Also inspired by the famed restaurant Cava’s approach to customizable Mediterranean bowls, I’ve embraced the freedom to tailor each element to my liking. Whether I opt for the creamy addition of feta cheese, the briny burst of kalamata olives, or the satisfying crunch of garbanzo beans, this bowl is a canvas for my culinary creativity.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Explosion of Flavors: The chicken kebabs, Mediterranean salad, and dill rice work together to create an explosion of flavors that will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean. Each bite is a burst of spices, herbs, and freshness.
Customizable: Make this bowl your own by adding optional ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, hummus, garbanzo beans, or minced mint. Customize it to suit your preferences!
Feast For The Eyes: This dish exudes Mediterranean culture with its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and a medley of flavors. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, bringing the essence of the Mediterranean to your dining table.
Chicken Mediterranean Bowl Video
Our Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Kebabs: Juicy chicken marinated in a blend of Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection, offering a charred exterior and juicy interior.
Dill Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice cooked with fresh dill, creating a bed of flavorful grains that perfectly complements the chicken kebabs.
Mediterranean Vegetables: A colorful mix of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, add a burst of freshness and crunch to the bowl.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty kick and creamy texture, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Kalamata Olives: Briny Kalamata olives contribute a bold and distinctive flavor, transporting you straight to the shores of the Mediterranean.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star, you can experiment with lamb, beef, or even falafel for a vegetarian option. Adjust the marination and cooking times accordingly.
Can I substitute jasmine rice with another variety?
Yes, feel free to use your preferred rice variety. However, the fragrant and long-grain nature of jasmine complements the dish exceptionally well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely. The components of this Mediterranean bowl can be prepared ahead of time for convenient meal prep. Cook the chicken kebabs, prepare the Med salad ingredients, and cook the dill rice separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls when ready to enjoy. The flavors often meld, enhancing the overall taste when allowed to marinate.
Chicken Mediterranean Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken Kebab
- 3 large chicken breasts 4-5 oz each (or chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Med salad
- 2 Persian cucumbers
- 1.5 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion diced
- 4 cups chopped romaine
- 1 cup red pepper diced
- 1 tsp minced dill
- Feta cheese optional
- Kalamata olives optional
- Garbanzo beans optional
- Minced mint optional
Salad Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 garlic paste or ½ tsp garlic paste
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Dill rice
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tbsp dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt if using frozen rice or already made rice
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon in water if cooking rice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp butter
Instructions
Chicken
- Cut your chicken into 2" chunks.
- Season with all ingredients listed and set in the fridge for at least 3 hours to overnight.
- Spray with oil and cook in your air fryer at 375F for 18 minutes. Check if done and cook for 2 minute increments until done. You can also bake it at 375F for 25 minutes but I love the way it turns out in the air fryer.
Salad
- Chop your lettuce into thinner strips.
- Chop your red peppers and onions.
- Slice your cherry tomatoes in half.
- Dice your cucumbers.
- Mince your dill and set aside.
Dressing
- Create garlic paste by mincing your garlic and adding a pinch of salt. Use your knife to create a paste.
- In the bowl you plan on serving your salad in, add in all your dressing ingredients and combine.
- Add your salad to the bowl and don't combine until you are ready to serve.
- I topped my salad with garbanzo beans, feta, and kalamata olives.
Dill Rice
- You can cook your rice or use frozen rice. I used frozen jasmine rice. If you are making your rice, follow the instructions on the bag and add chicken bouillon to the water. Add the dill and seasonings once your rice is done.
- If using frozen rice, cook it in the microwave. Then add olive oil, lemon, dill and your seasonings to a pan. Add your rice and cook on medium for 5 minutes or until the seasonings are fully incorporated.
