Mediterranean Chicken Bowls - Healthy Meal Prep
These vibrant Mediterranean chicken bowls are everything you want in a healthy meal - fresh, flavorful, colorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love These Bowls
- Packed with nutrients - Vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
- Meal prep friendly - Make several servings at once
- Customizable - Mix and match your favorite ingredients
- Fresh flavors - Mediterranean herbs and lemon brighten everything
The Mediterranean Magic
These bowls capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with:
- Fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, and dill
- Quality olive oil for healthy fats
- Bright lemon for acidity and freshness
- Colorful vegetables for vitamins and fiber
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
Simple Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
The Easy Method
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables While chicken cooks, dice cucumber, chop tomatoes, slice red onion, and prepare herbs.
Step 4: Make the Dressing Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls Divide quinoa among bowls. Top with sliced chicken, vegetables, olives, and feta. Drizzle with dressing.
Assembly Tips
- Layer strategically - Put quinoa on bottom, then arrange toppings
- Keep wet ingredients separate - For meal prep, store dressing separately
- Add crunch - Include nuts or seeds for texture
- Fresh herbs last - Add just before serving for best flavor
Meal Prep Magic
These bowls are perfect for weekly meal prep:
- Cook components separately - Store in individual containers
- Assemble before eating - Keeps everything fresh
- Make dressing ahead - Stores well in the fridge
- Stays fresh for 4-5 days refrigerated
Customization Ideas
Protein Swaps:
- Grilled salmon or shrimp
- Chickpeas for vegetarian option
- Lamb or beef for variety
Grain Alternatives:
- Brown rice or wild rice
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb
- Couscous or bulgur wheat
Extra Vegetables:
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh spinach or arugula
Health Benefits
This bowl delivers:
- Complete protein from chicken
- Healthy fats from olive oil and olives
- Complex carbs from quinoa
- Antioxidants from colorful vegetables
- Probiotics from feta cheese
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate assembled bowls for up to 4 days
- Keep dressing separate until ready to eat
- Add fresh herbs just before serving
- Warm chicken if desired, or enjoy cold
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced nutrition - Protein, carbs, healthy fats, and vegetables
- Fresh flavors - Mediterranean herbs and lemon keep it bright
- Flexible timing - Great for meal prep or quick dinners
- Satisfying - Keeps you full without feeling heavy
These Mediterranean chicken bowls prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll actually look forward to eating well!
Eat the rainbow, Mediterranean style!
