Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, easy to pull together, and totally crowd-pleasing, you’re going to adore this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the mix of spices in the ground chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy roasted red pepper feta sauce — it’s a combination that keeps my family coming back for seconds! Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through every tasty step.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here balance wonderfully — savory spiced chicken, creamy feta sauce, crunchy cucumbers, and vibrant herbs all come together in harmony. When shopping, aim for fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil, as they really elevate this dish.

• Ground chicken: Lean chicken works great and soaks up spices beautifully; turkey, beef, or lamb are great alternatives to vary flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For cooking and finishing—choose a fruity, high-quality olive oil to keep flavors fresh.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened, don’t skip!
• Spices (kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, black pepper): The magic makers; measure carefully to keep that perfect balance.
• Rice (jasmine or brown): Your base—jasmine offers a fragrant softness, while brown provides nuttiness and fiber.
• Roasted chickpeas: Adds crunch and texture—Biena brand is my go-to, but regular chickpeas work well too.
• Persian cucumbers: Freshness and crunch, a must for contrast to the warm, spiced meat.
• Pickled red onion: Brightens the bowl with acidity and tang—homemade or store-bought both work!
• Pita bread: Warm and torn for scooping—think of it as your edible utensil.
• Crumbled feta and fresh mint & parsley: Garnishes that tie everything together with creamy, herbal auras.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my pantry or how adventurous I’m feeling. Feel free to personalize this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs — this bowl is a flexible canvas!

• Ground meat swap: I once made this with lamb and it added such a lovely richness; turkey works well if you want a leaner option.
• Grain alternatives: Quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice all work beautifully if you want to switch up the base.
• Dairy-free: Skip the feta or swap with vegan alternatives, and try a tahini drizzle instead of the roasted red pepper feta dip.
• Extra veggies: Adding roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini amps up the veg factor and flavor nicely.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Before diving into the spiced chicken, make your half batch of the spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce. I always make extra because it’s fantastic as a dip or spread on sandwiches later. It’s vibrant, tangy, and creamy — a key player in this bowl’s flavor profile.

Step 2: Cook Your Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until soft but not browned. Push the onions to the edges of the pan, then add your ground chicken. Break it up thoroughly with a wooden spoon or meat masher, mixing the onions throughout as the chicken cooks.

Now comes the fun part: seasoning. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together and cook until the meat is fully done with no pink remaining — about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the spices have coated the chicken evenly and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

Grab a shallow bowl and spoon a generous scoop of the spicy feta sauce on one side — this little drizzle of heaven brings the whole bowl together. Next, add about half a cup of your cooked rice next to the sauce. Layer on a quarter cup of roasted chickpeas over the sauce for crunch, then pile the spiced ground chicken front and center.

Top with fresh, crisp cucumber slices and a handful of tangy pickled red onions. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, and fresh mint and parsley bring brightness and freshness to each bite. Warm pita bread served alongside is perfect for grabbing those last bits — trust me, it’s essential!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of layering fresh herbs on top — fresh mint and parsley add that burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and feta sauce. I also drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving for a silky finish. And don’t forget the crumbled feta—because, well, feta.

Side Dishes

While this bowl holds up well on its own, I love pairing it with a simple Greek salad or some warm roasted vegetables when I want extra veggies on the side. A light lemony tabbouleh or a dollop of tzatziki sauce on the side also elevates the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner or small gathering, I’ve served this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe in individual mason jars layered like a parfait — rice, chicken, sauce, veggies, and herbs all displayed beautifully. It’s unexpected and fun and perfect for easy grab-and-go servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the components separate when storing leftovers — chicken in one container, rice in another, and the feta sauce in a small jar. This way, nothing gets soggy. Stored in airtight containers, everything lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

I learned freezing the cooked spiced ground chicken separately works best. Portion it out in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The feta sauce and fresh garnishes are best made fresh, though.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming the chicken and rice over medium heat in a skillet—this helps maintain texture and avoids drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. Then reassemble with fresh cucumbers, herbs, and feta for that just-made feeling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe is one of those meals I find myself returning to again and again — it’s a perfect balance of comforting and vibrant, easy to make yet packed with flavor. I love that it’s wholesome, satisfying, and adaptable, so whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a tasty lunch prep option, it’s got your back. Give it a go and let me know how it turns out — I have a feeling it might become one of your weeknight staples too!

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