Embrace the vibrant and wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean with this "Mediterranean Diet Flavorful Chicken Bowl"! This nutrient-packed recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts seasoned with a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Paired with fluffy, savory brown rice cooked in chicken broth and a medley of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, this dish is topped with creamy feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives for the perfect finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is as nourishing as it is customizable, making it the ideal choice for a healthy lunch or dinner. Bursting with heart-healthy olive oil and bright parsley, this protein-rich bowl hits all the right notes for a satisfying and flavorful Mediterranean diet meal.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, juice of half a lemon, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, rinse and cook the brown rice in chicken broth following package instructions until tender.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side to get a nice sear.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken is baking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, and olives.
Drizzle with juice of the remaining lemon and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately for a healthy and flavorful Mediterranean bowl.
Calories |
1748 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.9 g | 119% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.6 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 385 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 5542 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.4 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.8 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.0 g | ||
| Protein | 139.8 g | 280% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 794 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2580 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.