Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Garlic Feta Sauce Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Garlic Feta Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful meal that perfectly balances tender marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, a wholesome grain base, and a creamy garlic feta sauce. Ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this dish brings together classic Mediterranean herbs and spices in a colorful, satisfying bowl.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Feta Sauce:
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)
- Pinch of salt
For the Bowl Base:
- 1 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or bulgur
- 1/2 cup chopped romaine or spinach
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced or cubed chicken breasts and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through with no pink inside.
- Prepare Garlic Feta Sauce: In a blender or a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, finely grated garlic, a pinch of salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Blend or whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Adjust consistency by adding more water if necessary.
- Assemble the Bowl Base: Place a scoop of cooked rice, quinoa, or bulgur into each bowl. Top with chopped romaine lettuce or spinach for freshness and texture.
- Add Chicken and Toppings: Arrange the cooked chicken over the grain and greens. Layer on cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, olives if using, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Finish and Serve: Generously drizzle the garlic feta sauce over the assembled bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use quinoa or rice instead of bulgur.
- Olives in the toppings are optional, but they add a nice salty contrast.
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, intensifies flavor.
- The garlic feta sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bowl, garlic feta sauce, healthy chicken recipes, pita bowl, grilled chicken, Greek yogurt sauce