Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get great flavor.

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers. Perfect for meal prep.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Try shrimp, lamb, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

What’s the best rice substitute?

Quinoa or cauliflower rice works great if you want a lighter option.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap the yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt—it still adds great flavor.

Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken: 5 Irresistible Steps

Name: Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed); 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic (minced); Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 cup diced cucumbers; ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped); ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped); 1 cup tzatziki sauce; ½ cup hummus (optional); 2–3 pieces warm pita bread; Lemon wedges (for serving)

Description

This Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Juicy marinated chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that brings bold Mediterranean flavors straight to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl:

2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup diced cucumbers
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 cup tzatziki sauce
½ cup hummus (optional)
2–3 pieces warm pita bread
Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the Rice and Veggies
Cook rice according to package instructions. Dice tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, then toss with parsley for a fresh salad mix.
Skewer the Chicken
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Assemble the Bowl
Add a base of rice to each bowl. Top with grilled chicken, chopped salad, tzatziki, and hummus if using.
Serve
Add warm pita bread on the side and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Don’t skip the yogurt in the marinade—it keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or even the oven broiler works great.

Customize your bowl with extras like olives, feta cheese, or roasted veggies.

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 95mg