If you are craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that bursts with flavor and color, look no further than the Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender garlic-infused chicken with crisp veggies, creamy feta, and zesty tzatziki, all nestled on a bed of fresh greens and roasted chickpeas. It’s an irresistible balance of protein, crunch, and tangy freshness that feels like a celebration of the Mediterranean sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers bold and healthy goodness that you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, yet absolutely essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of texture, color, and authentic Mediterranean flavor, making this bowl as nourishing as it is beautiful.
- Chicken breast (1 lb): The lean protein base that soaks up the garlic and herb marinade perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully while keeping it juicy.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Provides that refreshing citrus zing, brightening every element in the bowl.
- Minced garlic (1 tbsp): The star of the marinade, infusing savory depth and warmth.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Dried basil (1 tsp), Dried oregano (1 tsp), Marjoram (½ tsp), Black pepper (½ tsp): A medley of classic Mediterranean herbs adding unforgettable aromatic notes.
- Spring mix or chopped romaine lettuce (4 cups): Crisp, fresh greens forming the refreshing foundation of the bowl.
- Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas (2 cups): Adds a satisfyingly crunchy, protein-packed element.
- Tzatziki sauce (1 cup): Cool and creamy, the perfect complement to the savory chicken and fresh veggies.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Sweet and juicy bursts that bring vibrant color.
- Seedless cucumber (1 cup, diced): Cool and crisp texture that keeps the bowl light.
- Yellow bell pepper (1 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of bright color.
- Feta cheese (4 oz): Salty, crumbly, and rich, it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Red onion (½, thinly sliced): Gives a mild sharpness and a hint of crunch, or switch to pickled red onions for extra zing.
- Greek olives (½ cup): Briny bursts that amplify the Mediterranean charm.
- Fresh basil (½ cup, shredded): Fragrant herb that adds a fresh finish to the bowl.
- Extra olive oil and red wine vinegar (optional): For drizzling and seasoning to taste right before serving.
How to Make Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breast dry and cutting it into 1-inch cubes against the grain—this helps keep it tender. Combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and those aromatic herbs and spices in a large zipper bag. Add the chicken, seal it tight, and give it a good shake to coat every piece evenly. Pop this in the refrigerator and let all those flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time. When you’re ready, cook the chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden and no longer pink inside, about 8 to 10 minutes. The result? Juicy, garlicky chicken cubes that are the heart of your bowl.
Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas
The Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas give the dish a fantastic crunch and protein boost. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of your favorite spices brings out their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh veggies.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Tzatziki
Freshness is key here. Take the time to halve those cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and yellow bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. The tzatziki sauce is your cooling, creamy partner in crime—it’s the perfect foil for the garlic chicken’s warm flavors. If you’re making tzatziki from scratch, cucumber, yogurt, garlic, and herbs come together effortlessly for a luscious sauce that ties the whole bowl together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe
Now the fun part: layering your bowl starts with a generous bed of spring mix or romaine. Scatter on the diced veggies, olives, and that irresistible roasted chickpeas for crunch. Crumble the feta on top, add the tender garlic chicken, and finish with a generous dollop of tzatziki. A sprinkle of shredded fresh basil adds an aromatic final touch. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar if you like, then serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every spoonful!
How to Serve Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, don’t be shy with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts can add delightful crunch and nuttiness. A little lemon zest grating over the top can also brighten up the dish instantly.
Side Dishes
This power bowl is quite a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something else, try warm pita bread or a light couscous salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple Greek salad also make lovely complements to the vibrant bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, create a Mediterranean bowl bar with all the ingredients out, letting everyone build their own. Alternatively, serve the chicken skewered for a fun finger-food twist, or layer the ingredients in pretty glass jars for an eye-catching, on-the-go meal option. Presentation here elevates the whole experience and makes your friends think you spent all day in the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe are best stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the tzatziki separate until you are ready to eat to prevent wilting of the greens. Stored properly, leftovers will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked garlic chicken and roasted chickpeas separately, but not the fresh vegetables or tzatziki sauce. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan over medium heat. Add the fresh elements just before serving to maintain their crispness and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and chickpeas either in a skillet or microwave until warm. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender. Then reassemble your bowl with fresh greens and veggies, topping off with fresh tzatziki for that cool contrast every time.
FAQs
Can I use different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; you can swap the garlic chicken for grilled shrimp, salmon, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh marinated in the same herbs and garlic for a vegetarian twist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep since you can cook and store components separately, then assemble when you’re ready to eat. Just remember to keep the greens and tzatziki separate until serving.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, homemade tzatziki stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Making it ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the creamy coolness that complements the garlic chicken.
What if I don’t have all the herbs listed in the recipe?
No worries! While the specific mix of basil, oregano, and marjoram creates an authentic flavor, you can use what you have on hand. Italian seasoning is a convenient substitute that will still deliver that warm, herbal note.
Are roasted chickpeas necessary for this bowl?
They aren’t strictly necessary but highly recommended. Roasted chickpeas provide a wonderful crunchy texture and additional protein, making your bowl more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe enough for anyone craving a nourishing, colorful, and deeply flavorful meal. It’s truly one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you’re in for a Mediterranean delight!
Print
Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40-70 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch or Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Mediterranean Power Bowls with Garlic Chicken combine vibrant fresh vegetables, tender marinated chicken, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a nutritious and satisfying meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors. They’re perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner with a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
Garlic Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (about ½ lemon juiced)
- 1 tablespoon Minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Marjoram
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Bowls
- 4 cups Spring mix or chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas hummus or uncooked canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 Seedless cucumber, diced
- 1 Yellow bell pepper, diced
- 4 ounces Feta cheese
- ½ Red onion, thinly sliced (about ⅔ cup diced) or pickled red onions
- ½ cup Greek olives
- ½ cup Fresh basil, shredded
- Extra olive oil and red wine vinegar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Chicken: Remove the chicken breast from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the chicken against the grain into 1-inch cubes for tender pieces.
- Marinate the Chicken: Mince the garlic and combine it with olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, dried basil, oregano, marjoram, and black pepper in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Add the diced chicken, seal the bag, and shake to evenly coat the chicken in the marinade. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pan. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally with tongs, until it is no longer pink inside and lightly browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Bowls: Prepare Mediterranean Roasted Chickpeas and Tzatziki Sauce according to their recipes, or use pre-prepared versions. Peel and dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber and yellow bell pepper. Shred the fresh basil.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, start with a base of spring mix or chopped romaine lettuce. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, sliced red onions, olives, roasted chickpeas, crumbled feta, and the cooked garlic chicken cubes. Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Drizzle with extra olive oil and red wine vinegar if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the garlic and herb flavors but at least 30 minutes is recommended.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste in the marinade.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra chickpeas or grilled vegetables.
- Tzatziki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Roasted chickpeas can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for a crunchy texture.
- Extra lemon juice and herbs can be added for garnish and extra freshness.
