Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, then you have to try this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to come back to these bowls again and again. The blend of spices on the ground chicken perfectly balances that creamy, smoky roasted red pepper feta sauce, making every bite a little celebration on your plate.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe is the accessible, wholesome ingredients that pack big flavor — from the earthy spices to the vibrant feta sauce. When shopping, I always hunt for fresh mint and parsley because they bring the bowl to life.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Look for good quality oil—it really elevates the flavor when drizzled at the end.
• Ground chicken: Tender, lean, and soaks up spices beautifully; you can also use turkey, beef, or lamb.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness when sautéed and balances spices perfectly.
• Spices (kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, paprika, turmeric, dried thyme, black pepper): This spice blend is the heart of the bowl—don’t skip or skimp!
• Rice (jasmine or brown): My go-to base; jasmine rice adds a subtle floral note, but brown rice gives extra fiber and nuttiness.
• Roasted chickpeas: Adds crunch and a delightful protein punch; store-bought ones like Biena work perfectly.
• Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshingly cool, balancing the spiced chicken.
• Pickled red onion: Tartness here cuts through the richness so well; if you don’t have pickled onions, quick-pickle them in vinegar and sugar for 15 minutes.
• Warm pita bread: Essential for scooping and soaking up the sauce—get it warm and soft.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled on top to create bursts of creamy tanginess.
• Fresh mint & parsley: These herbs add brightness and freshness that takes each bite to the next level.
• Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip: You’ll only need half the batch for this recipe, but it’s worth making extra for snacking!

Variations

I love how flexible this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe is — it’s one of those recipes you can tweak to fit your mood or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few ways I switch things up.

• Protein swap: Tried it with ground turkey, and it’s just as delicious—sometimes I even use ground lamb for a richer flavor.
• Grain alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice works great for a lower-carb version; quinoa adds nuttiness that pairs beautifully.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and amp up roasted chickpeas, adding some grilled halloumi or feta for protein.
• Heat it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick I adore.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Start by making the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce — it’s the soul of this bowl. I usually make a full batch, but this recipe only needs half, so save the rest for dipping pita or veggies. The creamy, smoky feta perfectly offsets the spices on the chicken, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once warm, toss in your finely diced onions and let them soften for about 3-5 minutes — you’re aiming for translucent, not browned. Push the onions to the edges of the pan and add the ground chicken. I like to use a wooden spoon or meat masher to break it apart evenly so every bite gets that perfect seasoning.

Now sprinkle in your spice mix: salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cook about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and has a nice aroma. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out; the olive oil and spices help keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Grab your shallow bowl and start by spooning a big dollop of the spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce to one side — spread it out, it’s so good. On the other side, add about half a cup of your cooked rice; jasmine works beautifully for fragrance, but I also love the nutty bite of brown rice here.

Top part of the feta sauce with roasted chickpeas (they add such great crunch), then place a generous scoop of your spiced ground chicken on top of the rice in the middle. Scatter sliced Persian cucumbers and tangy pickled red onions over everything — I love how they add freshness and bite. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the whole bowl, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and finish with fresh mint leaves and chopped parsley. Serve warm pita on the side for scooping — and prepare to enjoy!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing these bowls with extra crumbled feta, a fresh drizzle of olive oil, and plenty of chopped fresh mint and parsley. The herbs add that pop of freshness and color that really lift the whole dish. Pickled red onions bring a great zesty bite and contrast that makes every spoonful balanced.

Side Dishes

Although these bowls are a meal on their own, I often serve them alongside a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables. Warm pita bread is a must for me—it’s perfect for scooping and rounds out the Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve laid out mini bowls with all the components for guests to build their own bowls. It’s fun, interactive, and everyone loves customizing their spice and toppings. Sometimes I put everything on a large platter family-style and pass around the pita—makes a casual, cozy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spiced ground chicken and rice together in an airtight container and keep the feta sauce separate in the fridge. This way the sauce stays fresh and the chicken stays tender. It usually keeps well for about 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the spiced ground chicken by itself, but I recommend freezing the rice and sauce separately. When thawed, the texture stays better, and you avoid watery sauce. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist—microwaving works too, but watch for drying out. Once warm, I add back fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil before serving to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spiced Ground Chicken Recipe comes together — it’s flavorful without being fussy, quick enough for busy nights, and always a hit whenever I make it. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply want a comforting, vibrant meal for yourself, this bowl does the trick. Give it a try; I think you’re going to love the way the spices, creamy feta sauce, and fresh veggies all come together. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Print