Description
Vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a delightful symphony of tender chicken marinated in bright lemon and herbs, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, all brought together with a creamy, zesty dressing. They’re the perfect wholesome meal for a busy weeknight or a refreshing lunch that feels like a special treat.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dry tri color quinoa
2 lbs chicken breasts or chicken thighs (about 6 thighs), trimmed of fat
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 medium red bell pepper, roasted* or raw, seeded and chopped
3 cups chopped English cucumber (1 medium)
2 medium tomatoes (Roma or vine ripened), chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 avocado, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup tzatziki sauce, preferrably homemade
3/4 cup hummus, store-bought or homemade
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the quinoa following the package directions.
2. If using chicken breasts, pound them to a 1/2-inch thickness. Chicken thighs can be used as is. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove from heat, let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes, then chop.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chopped bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and parsley. Toss with lemon juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt to taste.
5. Divide the cooked quinoa, chopped chicken, and cucumber salad among six bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and hummus, then sprinkle with feta cheese.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can dry out quickly. Watch it closely during the last couple of minutes of cooking to ensure it remains juicy. It should be cooked through with no pink inside.
Fluff Your Quinoa: After the quinoa has steamed, giving it a gentle fluff with a fork will separate the grains and make it light and airy.
Achieve the Perfect Dressing Consistency: Tahini can sometimes be very thick. Start with the recommended liquid and add more very gradually until you achieve a pourable, creamy dressing.
Prep Your Veggies Ahead: For an even quicker assembly, you can chop the cucumber, bell peppers, and tomatoes earlier in the day and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean