Easy Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Name: Easy Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Flavors Studio

I love preparing this Easy Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl when I want a light yet satisfying meal. It's packed with fresh ingredients like juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. Making this bowl is surprisingly quick and simple—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Each bite is a burst of Mediterranean flavors that takes me back to sun-soaked summers. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it a staple in your kitchen.

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:13:37.019Z

Creating this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl became a favorite exploration of mine in the kitchen. I experiment wildly with the ingredient quantities, and often, I find unique combinations that elevate the dish even further. For instance, adding olives or feta cheese boosts the flavor profile and adds a delightful twist.

One of the key things I've learned is to marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs beforehand. Not only does it infuse the chicken with zest, but it also provides moisture, ensuring it remains tender after cooking. I recommend this step to anyone who loves juicy chicken!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh ingredients loaded with nutrients
Flavorful and satisfying for any time of the day
Customizable with your favorite toppings

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade plays a crucial role in infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderness. By allowing the chicken breasts to soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes, you're setting the stage for juicy, succulent meat. If you have the time, marinating for longer—up to 4 hours—can deepen the flavors even more. To prevent the chicken from drying out, aim for a bright, golden color on the outside while ensuring it cooks to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Feel free to experiment with the marinade! For a smoky twist, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Additionally, if you want to incorporate some Greek flavors, replacing oregano with fresh dill or basil can lend a refreshing note to the dish. Just keep in mind that fresh herbs are more potent, so you might want to adjust the quantity accordingly.

Perfecting the Quinoa

Quinoa serves as the nutritious base for this bowl, offering a nutty flavor and satisfying texture. To avoid a mushy result, rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can make it bitter. For added nutrition, cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water, which elevates its flavor profile significantly. A typical ratio is 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of liquid, bringing it to a boil and then simmering for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.

To enhance the texture, consider toasting the rinsed quinoa in the dry pot for a few minutes before adding the liquid. This brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that can complement the fresh vegetables beautifully. If you're prepping in advance, cooked quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Easy Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is incredibly versatile. While the recipe features classic Mediterranean ingredients, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding sliced olives, roasted chickpeas, or even artichoke hearts for more depth and dimension. If you're catering to different dietary needs, substituting the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu can make it plant-based while maintaining the satisfying flavors.

For meal prep, consider portioning out the salad ingredients separately from the quinoa and dressing. This keeps everything fresh throughout the week. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the components and drizzle the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess. The bowl can be served warm or chilled, allowing for flexibility based on your preference for the day.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match the ingredients to your taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, coat thoroughly, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove and let it rest.

Prepare the Quinoa

While the chicken cooks, prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork once done and set aside.

Chop Veggies

Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion, and place them in a large bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake well.

Assemble the Bowl

Slice the chicken, then layer the quinoa, veggies, chicken, feta (if using), and parsley in your bowls. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Chicken Bowl!

Pro Tips

Try adding olives or avocado for extra creaminess and flavor. Adjust the seasoning in the dressing to your liking.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the components separately for optimal freshness. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. For the quinoa and vegetables, keeping them separate will prevent the veggies from becoming soggy. Quinoa can also be frozen; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to three months.

When reheating this dish, a quick microwave session works well for the quinoa, while the chicken can be warmed in a skillet over low heat. Just remember to cover it with a lid to keep it moist and prevent drying out. Sautéing in a bit of olive oil can also help revive the chicken's juiciness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your chicken turning out dry, it may be due to overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without guessing—165°F (75°C) is your target. Additionally, marinating too briefly can result in blandness, so remember that the marinade works best with time. Don’t hesitate to adjust your marination timeline if you desire bolder flavors.

Another common challenge is achieving a balanced dressing. If your dressing turns out too tangy, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity. Conversely, if it’s too oily, a splash more vinegar can cut through the richness. Lastly, make sure you taste as you go; this is the best way to ensure your bowl has a well-rounded flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great in this bowl.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

→ How can I meal prep this dish?

You can prepare the chicken, quinoa, and chop the veggies in advance. Store them separately and assemble when you're ready to eat.

→ What other dressings can I use?

Feel free to use a tahini dressing or yogurt-based dressing for a different flavor.