Go Back
+ servings
Mediterranean chicken quinoa bowl served in a white bowl.

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl Recipe

These Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowls are fresh, filling, and bursting with flavor from juicy lemon-garlic chicken, creamy tzatziki, and tangy pickled onions! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep lunch you’ll actually look forward to.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 657

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 3-4 garlic cloves minced
Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup finely diced cucumber English cucumber is best, no need to peel.
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 garlic clove minced
  • Salt to taste about 1 tsp
  • Fresh dill or dried dill
For the Pickled Onions
  • 1 red onion
  • Juice of 5-6 limes
  • Salt to taste
For the Quinoa:
  • 1 cup dried quinoa or 3 cups already made
  • 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth. If using water add ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Cherry tomatoes if desired.

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Cook the Quinoa: While the chicken marinates, rinse 1 cup dried quinoa under running water. In a saucepan, bring 1½ cups water or chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon salt (if using water), and 1 teaspoon olive oil to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. (Yields about 3 cups cooked quinoa.)
  3. Make the Pickled Onions: Thinly slice 1 red onion and place it in a jar or bowl. Pour in the juice of 3 limes and add salt to taste. Stir to combine and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
  4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, ½ cup finely diced English cucumber, a squeeze of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, salt to taste, and a pinch of fresh or dried dill. Chill until ready to use.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Let rest for a few minutes before slicing or chopping.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa between four bowls. Top each with sliced chicken, a spoonful of pickled onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
  7. Serve: Garnish with cherry tomatoes, extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 657kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 40gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 1935mgPotassium: 773mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 302IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 4mg

Notes

How long do the components last in the fridge? The cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce will both last in the fridge for up to 4 days. The quinoa can be stored for up to 5 days, and the pickled onions can be stored for up to 1 week!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!