Spicy Hummus Chicken Bowls with Mediterranean Flair

Spicy Hummus Chicken Bowls With Mediterranean Fl

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a flavorful trip to the Mediterranean? What if I told you Hummus chicken bowls are the answer? Honestly, these bowls are packed with zesty, savory goodness.
Brief Overview
The Mediterranean bowl recipe is inspired by sunny flavors. This easy chicken bowl recipe is super simple and takes about an hour and half. This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Main Benefits
These healthy chicken bowl are packed with protein and nutrients. Make the Spicy chicken hummus bowl perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Honestly, it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and health.
What Makes These Bowls So Special?
You know? I've been making versions of this Hummus chicken bowl recipe for ages. It always impresses even my fussiest mate, Barry.
Seriously, what sets this apart is the marinade. This Chicken thigh marinade recipe will literally bring even the dryest chicken thigh to juicy life.
Seriously.
Here's the ingredient list for your Mediterranean chicken bowl recipe .
- For the Chicken Marinade: You will need boneless and skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs). You will also need 5 cloves minced garlic, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest. The spices include: 1 Tbsp smoked paprika, 1 Tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- For the Bowls: This dish involves 3 cups cooked white rice, 1 cup hummus, and 2 thinly sliced Persian cucumbers. Also needed are 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup pickled red onion, and ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese. Warm pita breads are required.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, so you want to make some Spicy Hummus Chicken Bowls ? Awesome! Let's break down what you'll need. Honestly, this Mediterranean chicken bowl recipe is super flexible.
Don’t stress if you don’t have every single thing on hand.
Main Ingredients for Your Hummus Chicken Bowls
Let's get down to the core ingredients. This is where the magic starts for our Hummus Chicken Bowls .
- Chicken Thighs: 1 ½ lbs (680g) , boneless and skinless. Quality matters! Go for thighs that look plump and pink. No one wants dodgy chicken, you know?
- Garlic: 5 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
- Olive Oil: 2 Tbsp (30ml) . Extra virgin is the biz, but regular will do in a pinch.
- Lemon Juice: 2 Tbsp (30ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottles stuff just isn't the same.
- Lemon Zest: 1 tsp . Adds that lovely bright zing!
- Smoked Paprika: 1 Tbsp (8g) . This gives it that smoky depth, oh my gosh!
- Dried Oregano: 1 Tbsp (2g) . Essential Mediterranean flavour.
- Ground Cumin: 1 tsp (2g) . For that earthy warmth.
- Salt: 1 tsp (6g) . Brings out all the flavours.
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ tsp (0.5g) . Adjust to your liking! More if you're feeling brave.
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (0.5g) . A classic for a reason.
- Cooked White Rice: 3 cups . Basmati or jasmine work great.
- Hummus: 1 cup (240ml) . Store-bought or homemade, your choice!
- Cucumber: 2 Persian , thinly sliced, or 1 English , halved.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (280g) , halved.
- Pickled Red Onion: ½ cup (120ml) . Adds such a great tangy punch!
- Feta Cheese: ¼ cup (30g) , crumbled. Adds a salty creaminess.
- Pita Bread: 4 , warmed. For scooping up all the deliciousness!
Seasoning Secrets for Our Spicy Chicken Hummus Bowl
Okay, let’s chat spices. This Chicken thigh marinade recipe is all about layering flavours.
A mix of smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin creates that signature Mediterranean vibe. Cayenne pepper adds that spicy kick we are looking for in this spicy chicken hummus bowl , but feel free to adjust it.
Lemon zest and juice are super important here. They make everything bright and fresh. No joke. If you are missing something, go for these substitutes.
- Smoked paprika - regular paprika, plus a dash of liquid smoke.
- Oregano - Italian seasoning.
- Cumin - chili powder, just a touch.
Basic Equipment for Your Easy Chicken Bowl Recipe
Don’t worry, you don't need fancy gear for this easy chicken bowl recipe . I'm keeping it real simple.
- Large mixing bowl: For marinating that chicken.
- Grill or baking sheet: Depends on how you wanna cook the chicken.
- Tongs: For flipping that chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Pretty self-explanatory.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies.
- Meat thermometer: Essential for checking that the chicken is cooked to 165° F ( 74° C) . You don't want no dodgy chicken.
Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. If you don't have a grill, use a frying pan or roast it in the oven, you know.
Now you are ready to make your healthy chicken bowl .
Cooking Method
Let's dive into how to make these seriously tasty Hummus Chicken Bowls . Honestly, it's easier than you think. Even if your cooking skills are basic, you can nail this one.
These aren't just any chicken and rice bowl recipe ; they're bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: Essential mise en place . That's fancy for "get everything ready". Chop your cucumbers and tomatoes. Mince your garlic.
Basically, get all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. It'll save you time and stress. Time-saving organization tips are your friend here!
Oh, and safety reminders ! Be careful when you chop those veggies. Nobody wants a trip to A&E because of a rogue knife.
Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!
Marinate the Chicken: Whisk all those yummy marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat those chicken thighs in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better.
That chicken thigh marinade recipe is the real deal.
Cook the Chicken: You've got options! Grilling Method: Grill for 5- 6 minutes per side. Baking Method: Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 22 minutes .
The key is to hit an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
Prep the Rice: Cook that rice. Fluffy white rice is classic for these Mediterranean chicken bowls , but brown rice or quinoa works too!
Assemble: Spoon rice into bowls. Add the cooked chicken, a big dollop of hummus (store-bought or homemade), sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and pickled red onion.
Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with feta cheese. Serve with warm pita bread. Ta-dah!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bowl Game
Want to take your Hummus Chicken Bowls to the next level? Here's some advice that I've learnt by making this Hummus bowl recipe :
- Don’t skip the marinating! Seriously, marinating is key for flavour and tenderness.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Overcooking the chicken! Use a thermometer and don't be afraid to pull it off the grill/oven a little early.
- Make ahead? You bet. Marinate the chicken the night before. Chop the veggies ahead of time too. This Easy chicken bowl recipe is all about convenience. You can even prep components for this spicy chicken hummus bowl days in advance.
Honestly, these bowls are my go-to for a quick and healthy dinner. It's a fantastic healthy chicken bowl recipe, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy eating it! A proper Greek chicken bowl with all of these components, is the perfect meal to feel good about.
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's talk about making these Spicy Hummus Chicken Bowls the absolute best they can be. I've made this Mediterranean chicken bowl recipe loads of times, and I've picked up a few tricks along the way.
Honestly, these tips can turn a good meal into a fantastic one.
Serve it Up Right: Plating and Presentation
First, presentation matters! A bit of extra effort makes all the difference. Layer your bowl. Rice on the bottom, then the chicken.
Pile those vibrant veggies high. Lastly, crown it with a generous dollop of hummus and feta. It looks so inviting!
As for sides? Honestly, a simple cucumber and tomato salad goes great. Also, some warm pita bread is the bomb for scooping up all those delicious bits.
And to drink? A sparkling water with lemon. Or a light beer is awesome with the spices in these Spicy chicken hummus bowl .
Storage for Later!
So, what if you have leftovers? No worries! You can absolutely store this easy chicken bowl recipe .
First, chicken! Store the cooked chicken separately in the fridge. It lasts for 3-4 days no problem.
Also, refrigerate the veggies separately too. They stay fresher that way.
The hummus can be refrigerated for about a week. Don't freeze it.
For reheating, microwave the chicken until it's piping hot. Assemble your Mediterranean bowl recipe !
Recipe Variations to Change the Game
I know what you're thinking. Can this Healthy chicken bowl be made gluten-free or vegetarian? Yep!
Want to make this recipe Gluten Free ? Use cauliflower rice! This is a killer option. Instead of pita bread, use gluten-free wraps.
Looking for a Vegetarian swap? Try grilling halloumi cheese. The salty cheese adds the perfect bite! Or even roasted chickpeas. These subs makes a killer Hummus bowl recipe !
Or you can modify the Chicken thigh marinade recipe , adding honey for sweetness. If it's Winter, feel free to add butternut squash.
Nutrition 101
Listen up, this Greek chicken bowl isn't just delicious. It's good for you too!
Each bowl has about 650-750 calories. It is packed with 45-55 grams of protein! Carbs are about 60-70 grams, and it has 5-7 grams of fiber, and 25-35 grams of healthy fat.
That's a total win!
All that protein will keep you full. And the veggies give you vitamins and fiber. You get a balanced, satisfying meal.
It's a great Chicken and rice bowl recipe !. Did you know that a study showed Mediterranean diets are correlated with improved heart health?
Honestly, these Hummus chicken bowls are a total game-changer. The recipe is easy and adaptable. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and goodness.
So, give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment. I am telling you, you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Hummus Chicken Bowls ahead of time? Like, could I prep them on Sunday for my lunches all week?
Absolutely! These Hummus Chicken Bowls are fantastic for meal prepping. Cook the chicken, rice, and chop your veggies, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls. Just be mindful that the cucumbers and tomatoes might release some moisture, so it's best to add the hummus and feta right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy. No one wants a soggy bottom, as they say on Bake Off!
I'm not a huge fan of chicken thighs. Can I use chicken breast in these Hummus Chicken Bowls?
You certainly can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts in these Hummus Chicken Bowls. Just be aware that chicken breast can dry out more easily, so keep a close eye on it while cooking. Reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Consider cutting the chicken breast into smaller pieces before marinating to help it absorb the flavour and cook more evenly.
What's the best way to store leftovers, and how long will they last?
To properly store leftover Hummus Chicken Bowls, separate the components into individual airtight containers. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much moisture from the vegetables and keeps everything fresh. Properly stored, the leftovers should be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, you might want to warm the chicken and rice separately for the best texture.
I’m trying to be healthier. Any tips for making these Hummus Chicken Bowls lower in calories?
You can easily lighten up these Hummus Chicken Bowls. Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Use a light or reduced-fat hummus. Load up on extra veggies, and consider using a smaller portion of feta cheese or omitting it altogether. You could even use chicken breast rather than thigh meat to lower the fat content.
My local shop doesn't stock pickled red onion. Is there a decent substitute for these Hummus Chicken Bowls?
No pickled onions? Not a problem! Finely diced red onion can absolutely work in a pinch for these Hummus Chicken Bowls. For a similar tang, toss the diced red onion with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before adding it to the bowls. This quick "pickling" will soften the onion's bite and add a little zing.