Looking to elevate your dinner routine? This Mediterranean Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Juicy, marinated chicken served alongside a medley of Mediterranean-inspired toppings, this bowl is satisfying, healthy, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Packed with Flavor: The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, and spices, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Customizable: You can mix and match the toppings to suit your preferences.
- Balanced Meal: With protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl, it’s a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These bowls are great for making ahead and assembling throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here’s a glimpse of what goes into this delicious bowl:
- For the Chicken Tawook Skewers:
Chicken breasts or thighs, plain yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and allspice - For the Bowl:
Cooked basmati rice or couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and hummus - Optional Toppings:
Feta cheese, tzatziki, parsley, or pita bread
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below in the recipe card!
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tawook
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and allspice. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Prepare the Bowl Base
Cook basmati rice or couscous according to the package instructions. Fluff with a fork and divide into serving bowls.
Step 4: Assemble the Mediterranean Bowl
Top the rice with grilled chicken tawook skewers. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, kalamata olives, and a dollop of hummus around the bowl.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle feta cheese, drizzle tzatziki sauce, and garnish with parsley or a wedge of lemon. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Evenly Sized Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Indoor Cooking Option: No grill? Use a grill pan or bake the chicken skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time for quick assembly.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp, lamb, or tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Grain-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice or a bed of greens instead of rice or couscous.
- Add Roasted Veggies: Incorporate roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added depth.
- Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with marinated tofu or falafel.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Mediterranean Bowls pair wonderfully with:
- Warm pita bread or pita chips
- A side of tabbouleh or fattoush salad
- A refreshing glass of mint lemonade or iced tea
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store the grilled chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the veggies fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake the chicken skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through.
2. What’s the best yogurt for the marinade?
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt works best for its thickness and tangy flavor.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free grain like quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of couscous.
4. How do I make the bowl spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled bowl.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is a fresh and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of the Mediterranean right in your own home.
Print
Mediterranean Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers: A Flavorful Feast
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Bowl combines juicy, flavorful Chicken Tawook skewers with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, fluffy couscous, creamy hummus, and tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and protein-packed meal that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tawook:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Mediterranean Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked couscous or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked couscous or quinoa among serving bowls.
- Arrange the grilled chicken skewers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese on top.
- Add a dollop of hummus and tzatziki sauce to each bowl.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Substitute couscous with rice, bulgur, or farro for a different grain base.
- Add additional veggies like roasted eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled halloumi or falafel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg