Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
- Hummus or tzatziki sauce for serving
- Pickled vegetables or olives (optional)
Instructions
- Slicing the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and prepare the marinade with olive oil, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring even coating. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, grill the chicken for added smoky flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom of your bowl as the base.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion over the grains for a colorful, nutritious foundation.
- Layer the grilled chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and mint leaves for a fresh herbal flavor.
- Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki sauce. Optional toppings include pickled vegetables or olives for extra tang and Mediterranean flair.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
- Feel free to substitute quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional profiles.
- This dish can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for any time of day.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Healthy, High Protein, Balanced
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg