Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
This Mediterranean chicken bowl is a delicious medley of aromatic herbs, and fresh, wholesome ingredients. This dish begins with the chicken breasts marinated with olive oil and earthy za’atar seasoning. This Middle Eastern spice blend features a mix of sesame seeds, sumac, and dried herbs, infusing the chicken with a unique, slightly tangy, rich, and refreshing flavor. Coating the chicken with olive oil and za’atar is a simple yet essential step, allowing the seasoning to permeate the meat, creating layers of flavor as it bakes.
Accompanying the chicken are vibrant bell peppers in yellow, orange, and red, their sweetness and crispness providing a perfect contrast. The zucchini adds a tender, mild note, while the red onion offers a touch of sharpness and color. Minced garlic, fresh dill, and parsley elevate the vegetables with their aromatic and fresh qualities, transforming them into a delightful side that complements the chicken.
While the chicken and vegetables bake, attention turns to the cucumber salad. This side dish, bursting with fresh ingredients, acts as a cooling counterpoint to the warm, roasted chicken and veggies. Finely diced Roma tomatoes and cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch, while red onion and garlic add a zesty punch. The salad is lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, with fresh dill and parsley contributing a herbaceous brightness that ties everything together.
The final step is assembly once the chicken and vegetables are perfectly roasted. The roasted vegetables form the base of the bowl, their caramelized edges and tender interiors providing a flavorful foundation. Sliced chicken, juicy and seasoned, is layered on top, followed by a generous helping of the cucumber salad. Those who crave additional toppings like creamy tzatziki, savory hummus, crumbled feta, and briny kalamata olives can add them. A sprinkle of za’atar, along with more fresh dill and parsley, enhances the complexity. This can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with grains like rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread. Enjoy this simple and fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
- 3 tricolor bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced and halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 cup cucumber, finely diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 420°F. On a lined baking sheet, coat the chicken with 1 tbsp of olive oil and the za'atar seasoning.
- In a deep baking dish, add the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Coat with the remaining olive oil, garlic, dill, parsley, and salt and pepper. Place the chicken and vegetables in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Meanwhile, make the cucumber salad. Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- When the vegetables and chicken are done, assemble the bowls, starting with the roasted vegetables. Add the chicken and top with the cucumber salad. You can add tzatziki, hummus, za'atar seasoning, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, dill, and parsley for optional toppings.
- You can serve this bowl as is or with a grain like rice, quinoa, or pita bread. Enjoy!
