Name: Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ batch Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip (recipe made separately); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey, beef, or lamb as alternatives); ½ medium to large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked rice of choice (jasmine or brown rice recommended); 1 cup roasted chickpeas (such as Biena) or rinsed and drained regular chickpeas; 4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced; Pickled red onion, quantity to taste; Warm torn pita bread, for scooping; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Crumbled feta cheese; Fresh mint leaves; Fresh chopped parsley

If you’re looking for a meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and easy to pull together—you’re going to adore this Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. I love this recipe because it combines vibrant Mediterranean spices with the cozy satisfaction of a rice bowl, plus there’s a creamy, spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce that takes the whole thing to the next level. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through how to make these bowls that have quickly become a family favorite around here!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: I love how this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful but fast.
Burst of Flavors: The blend of spices mixed with the creamy feta dip delivers layers of taste that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Customizable for Everyone: Whether you prefer chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever protein you have on hand.
Family Friendly: My kids gobble this up, and I love that I’m feeding them wholesome ingredients packed with Mediterranean goodness.

This image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: on the bottom left, there is a layer of cooked chickpeas with a golden yellow sauce; on the bottom right, there is a layer of white rice; on top, there is a mix of chopped cucumber slices, pink pickled onions, crumbled white cheese, chopped green herbs, and small mint leaves scattered around. A golden fork rests inside the bowl near the chickpeas. A woman's hand is holding a piece of flatbread dipped into the chickpeas layer. The background surface is white marble, and small bowls with green herbs and cucumber slices are placed around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls, Mediterranean chicken dinner, flavorful chicken rice bowls, easy Mediterranean dinner, healthy chicken bowl recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that work so well together. I always try to use good-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to boost the flavors even more. Oh, and if you can find Persian cucumbers, grab them—they bring a crisp freshness that’s hard to beat.

Flat lay of a small pile of ground chicken, a halved and finely diced yellow onion, a few sprigs of dried oregano and thyme arranged neatly, a scattering of whole black peppercorns, a few whole bright yellow turmeric roots next to a small pile of paprika powder and garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with crumbled fresh feta cheese, a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley and mint leaves, four halved and sliced Persian cucumbers, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pickled red onions, a small white ceramic bowl with roasted chickpeas, a portion of cooked jasmine rice shaped tidily, and a few torn pieces of warm pita bread, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls, Mediterranean chicken dinner, flavorful chicken rice bowls, easy Mediterranean dinner, healthy chicken bowl recipes

Extra-virgin olive oil: This is your cooking fat and finishing drizzle—go for a rich, fruity one if you can.
Ground chicken: Lean and flavorful; you can swap with turkey, beef, or lamb depending on your preference.
Yellow onion: Finely diced for that perfect soft bite and subtle sweetness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning evenly.
Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme: A wonderful, earthy Mediterranean spice blend that makes the chicken sing.
Freshly ground black pepper: Crucial for a bit of bite and freshness.
Rice (jasmine or brown): Your base for the bowls—fluffy and fragrant.
Roasted chickpeas: Adds crunch and protein; I love the flavor-packed stores like Biena.
Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, sliced thinly for texture contrast.
Pickled red onion: Provides a tangy brightness that cuts through richness.
Warm torn pita: For scooping and adding a carb-loving crunch.
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip: This creamy dip is the secret sauce that makes this bowl unforgettable.
Fresh mint and parsley: Both herbs add vibrant color and fresh flavor at the end.
Extra feta (crumbled): Because, honestly, more feta is always better!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe is very forgiving and super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. I often change things up depending on what I have in the fridge or pantry, and I encourage you to do the same.

Protein swap: I’ve used ground turkey and lamb before, and both bring a new flavor dimension—lamb especially adds a rich, earthy vibe if you enjoy that taste.
Grain variation: Quinoa or couscous also works great if you want to mix up the base or add more fiber.
Extra veggies: Roasted eggplant or cherry tomatoes tossed in here add more Mediterranean flair and nutrition.
Dairy-free option: Skip the feta and use a dollop of hummus or mashed avocado to keep things creamy.

How to Make Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Start by making your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip. I usually make a full batch and use half for the bowls, saving the rest for snacking or spreading on sandwiches later. The dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy gem that builds the foundation of flavor for these bowls. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort here!

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onions and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Then, gently push the onions to the sides and add the ground chicken right to the center. Use a wooden spoon or meat masher to break the meat into small pieces, combining it with the onions as you go.

Season the mixture with kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. As you cook, you’ll notice those spices bloom and coat the chicken beautifully. Allow the meat to cook through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure everything is cooked evenly and you don’t let the meat dry out.

Step 3: Assembling Your Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls

Grab a shallow bowl and add a generous scoop of the red pepper feta sauce on one side, spreading it slightly in a swoosh. On the other side, place ½ cup of your cooked rice of choice. Next, top the feta sauce partially with about ¼ cup roasted chickpeas for a satisfying crunch.

In the center, add a hearty portion of the spiced ground chicken. Scatter sliced Persian cucumbers and a few pickled red onions on top to add color, texture, and brightness. Finally, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle crumbled feta generously, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and chopped parsley. Serve with warm, torn pita bread on the side to scoop up every bite—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

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Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe

Toast Your Spices: I like to lightly toast dried spices in the skillet before adding the chicken—it really amps up their flavor and aroma.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer helps it brown nicely instead of steaming, which keeps texture interesting.
Make Ahead the Dip: Since the feta dip can be made in advance, preparing it beforehand saves you time when dinner rolls around.
Keep Chickpeas Crunchy: If using store-bought roasted chickpeas, add them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe

Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh mint and parsley because they add this gorgeous pop of color and an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Crumbled feta on top is non-negotiable for me—if you’re a cheese lover, you’ll want that little salty kick in every bite. And a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just seals the deal with a silky finish.

Side Dishes

When I serve these bowls, I often add some extra pickled vegetables, like pickled cucumbers or carrots. A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and more feta pairs beautifully too. And don’t forget the warm pita—you’ll want it to scoop up every bit of that delicious sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to set up a “Mediterranean bowl bar,” offering different toppings like olives, lemon wedges, and tzatziki on the side so everyone can customize their own bowls. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy this recipe with friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spiced chicken and rice store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I suggest keeping the feta dip, fresh herbs, and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve again to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked spiced chicken successfully for meal prep. Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind, fresh toppings and the feta dip don’t freeze well, so add those fresh at serving time.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I use a skillet over medium heat to warm the spiced chicken and rice gently, so it doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep everything moist. Then, once warmed through, add the fresh garnishes and dip to revive that fresh Mediterranean zing.

FAQs

Can I make this Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you swap out the pita for gluten-free bread or simply enjoy the bowl without pita. Just make sure your spices and chickpeas are gluten-free, which they usually are.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?

You can use ground turkey, beef, lamb, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives if you prefer. Each brings a slightly different flavor, but they all work well with the spice blend in this recipe.
How spicy is the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip?

The dip has a gentle heat from roasted red peppers and perhaps some added chili, but it’s balanced with creamy feta so it’s more of a warm, approachable spice than overwhelming heat. If you want it milder, you can reduce the chili or add more feta to the dip.
Can I meal prep this recipe for the week?

Definitely! It holds up well as a make-ahead lunch or dinner. Keep fresh garnishes separate and add them right before serving to keep everything tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Spiced Chicken Bowls Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it’s satisfying in every way—easy, tasty, and full of fresh Mediterranean vibes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s a dish that impresses without the stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite twists along the way. Now, grab your skillet and get ready to make something truly delicious!