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Close-up macro of High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Bowls showcasing charred chicken, fluffy quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

Vibrant High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

These High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Bowls feature savory charred chicken, fluffy quinoa, crisp fresh vegetables, and a creamy, herb-flecked tzatziki sauce. It is the ultimate healthy meal prep recipe.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
  • 1 cup (170g) dry white quinoa Rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt Full fat for best creamy texture
  • 1/4 cup (35g) grated cucumber Squeezed dry to remove excess water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (3g) fresh dill or mint Finely chopped
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1/2 cup (75g) English cucumber slices
  • 1/4 cup (40g) red onion Finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (35g) feta cheese Crumbled
  • 2 tbsp (10g) fresh parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for achieving a perfectly charred crust on the chicken.
  • 1 Fine Mesh Strainer Needed to rinse the quinoa and remove bitter saponins before cooking.

Method
 

Cooking and Assembly
  1. In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan, add the quinoa, reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  3. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel. Mix the dry cucumber into the Greek yogurt along with lemon juice, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  4. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken chunks in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a slight char, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Divide the fluffy quinoa among teal ceramic bowls (or your preferred serving dishes). Top with the charred chicken chunks, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and diced red onions. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce in the center, then garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Squeeze your cucumber dry!
Failing to remove the water from the grated cucumber will result in a thin, watery tzatziki that ruins the fluffy texture of the quinoa base.