Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl featuring juicy marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, spicy feta sauce, all served with warm pita wedges and a base of rice or quinoa. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal with a delightful blend of spices and textures.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Pan-cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Spicy Feta Sauce
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
For the Bowl
- 2 pita breads, cut into wedges
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1/4 cup olives
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Prepare the Spicy Feta Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, hot sauce (if using), and black pepper. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Warm the Pita Wedges: Lightly warm the pita bread wedges in an oven or on a skillet until soft and slightly toasted, perfect for serving with the bowl.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start by placing cooked rice or quinoa as the base in serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, pita wedges, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, chickpeas, and olives on top in an appealing manner.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the spicy feta sauce generously over the assembled ingredients. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl while the chicken and pita are warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for more intense flavor.
- You can substitute rice with quinoa or couscous according to preference.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes and hot sauce in the feta sauce.
- To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with grilled halloumi or falafel.
- Warm pita bread just before serving to keep it soft and fresh.
- Leftover spicy feta sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 605 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, pita bowl, spicy feta sauce, grilled chicken, healthy bowl, Greek yogurt sauce, chicken marinade