Go Back
Mediterranean bowl with grilled chicken skewers and vibrant vegetables

Mediterranean-Style Bowl with Grilled Chicken Skewers

A vibrant bowl featuring grilled chicken skewers, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki, perfect for warm-weather meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Skewers
  • 1 lb chicken breast, trimmed about 2 medium breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Bowl
  • 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or a mix like basmati or jasmine
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced or sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 each bell pepper, diced any color
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Optional Garnishes
  • chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • crumbled feta cheese
  • olives
  • lemon wedges
  • red pepper flakes

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. For a deeper lemon-garlic flavor, marinate overnight but add a splash more oil to prevent curing the chicken.
Skewering
  1. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving space for heat circulation.
  2. If desired, thread bell pepper pieces or small cherry tomatoes between chicken cubes.
Grilling
  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly.
  2. Grill skewers 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and the temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. If no grill is available, broil on a baking tray for 4–5 minutes per side or roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning once.
  4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes off the heat before sliding off the skewers.
Cooking the Rice
  1. Cook rice according to package instructions, using low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor.
  2. For quicker prep, make rice ahead and refrigerate.
Chopping Vegetables
  1. Dice cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Slice the avocado just before assembling.
  3. Toss the chopped veggies with a pinch of salt, lemon squeeze, and olive oil.
Assembling the Bowl
  1. Place a bed of warm rice at the bottom of each bowl.
  2. Arrange grilled chicken skewers atop the rice.
  3. Add fresh vegetables, avocado slices, and a dollop of tzatziki.
  4. Garnish with chopped herbs, feta, and lemon wedges.
Serving
  1. Encourage guests to squeeze lemon over their bowls and combine layers before eating.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored separately for best texture. Tzatziki is best used within 3–4 days once opened or homemade. Marinating chicken the night before can enhance flavor.