Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ batch Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey, beef, or lamb); ½ medium to large yellow onion, finely diced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; Lots of freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or brown rice recommended); 1 cup roasted chickpeas (or rinsed and drained regular chickpeas); 4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced; Pickled red onion; Warm torn pita bread for scooping; Extra-virgin olive oil; Extra feta cheese, crumbled; Fresh mint leaves; Fresh chopped parsley

There’s something truly irresistible about the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients packed into this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and fresh that just makes your taste buds sing—and it comes together in just 30 minutes!

The dish is served in a white bowl with a blue inner edge. The bottom layer is a smooth, bright orange spread. On top of this is a layer of white rice covering most of the base. Over the rice and spread is a layer of small golden-brown cooked chickpeas scattered on one side. On the other side are small chunks of cooked yellowish ground meat mixed with herbs. Thin slices of bright pink pickled onions are spread all over, along with small pieces of fresh green cucumber and green mint leaves. Crumbled white cheese is sprinkled on top, and the whole dish is lightly seasoned with black pepper. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe more times than I can count, and honestly, they never get old. The combination of spices on the chicken paired with that creamy, spicy feta sauce brings a whole new level to bowl meals—and it’s so easy to whip up any night of the week.

Bold Flavors: The spice blend on the chicken and the roasted red pepper feta sauce take each bite to bold, savory heights.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious fast.
Versatile & Customizable: You can switch up the protein or add your favorite veggies for variety.
Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls keep well in the fridge, making lunches and dinners super convenient.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating those vibrant Mediterranean flavors we all crave. From the fragrant spices to the cooling cucumber and tangy pickled onion, each adds depth or freshness—and together, they balance the dish beautifully.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a mound of raw ground chicken, half a finely diced yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed ground spices including paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and freshly ground black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked jasmine rice, a small white ceramic bowl of roasted chickpeas, four fresh Persian cucumbers halved lengthwise and sliced, a small white ceramic bowl of bright pink pickled red onion slices, a small white ceramic bowl of spicy roasted red pepper feta dip, a few torn pieces of warm pita bread, a small pile of crumbled fresh white feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and fresh chopped parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: The base for sautéing the chicken and onions, it adds richness and enhances the spices.
Ground chicken: Fatty enough to stay juicy but lean enough to cook up quick; you can always swap for turkey, beef, or lamb if you prefer.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Kosher salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors.
Garlic powder: Provides background aroma and savory punch without overpowering.
Cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme: This spice mix gives the chicken its authentic Mediterranean flair—warm, earthy, and slightly smoky.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kick of heat.
Cooked rice (jasmine or brown): A fluffy base that soaks up all those juices and sauce.
Roasted chickpeas: For texture and a satisfying crunch—Biena brand is my go-to!
Persian cucumbers: Cool and crisp, to lighten every bite.
Pickled red onion: Tangy and bright, they cut through the richness beautifully.
Warm torn pita: The perfect utensil for scooping and mopping up every last bit.
Fresh mint and parsley: These fresh herbs really lift the whole bowl and add a lovely herbal finish.
Extra crumbled feta: To sprinkle on top for those creamy salty bursts.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often switch up the protein or add different veggies depending on what’s in my fridge or the season.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground chicken for lamb, which adds a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices and feta. It’s a game-changer, especially if you like your meals a bit heartier.
Make it vegetarian: Left out the chicken and bulk up the bowls with extra roasted chickpeas and sautéed mushrooms for a filling plant-based version.
Spice level: Add a dash of cayenne powder to the chicken seasoning if you enjoy an extra kick or top with pickled jalapeños.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe

A blue bowl filled with layers of food sits on a white marbled surface. At the bottom left, there are soft round chickpeas covered in a thick orange sauce. Beside them is a mound of white rice on the right side of the bowl. On top of the chickpeas and rice is a mix of finely crumbled yellow cooked vegetables or lentils, bright pink pickled onion slices, and green cucumber slices. Scattered on top are white crumbled cheese pieces and fresh green mint leaves. A gold fork rests diagonally near the bottom center inside the bowl. A woman's hand is holding a piece of light beige flatbread on the left edge of the bowl, ready to scoop some food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Nail the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

I always start by making the spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce—it’s the star of this bowl! Follow the recipe, but remember you only need half the batch for these bowls, so save the rest for snacking or sandwiches. This sauce is creamy with a perfect spicy kick that ties everything together.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Toss in the diced onions and cook until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes—you want them translucent and soft but not browned. Push them to the side, then add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, mixing it with the onions. Sprinkle on the salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and a good grind of black pepper. Cooking it thoroughly—around 5 to 7 minutes—until no pink remains is key. Trust me, this spice blend really makes the chicken sing!

Step 3: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Bowls

In a shallow bowl, dollop a generous scoop of that spicy feta sauce and spread it along one side. On the other side, add about a half-cup of your cooked rice. Mound the spiced chicken in the middle, then sprinkle some roasted chickpeas over part of the sauce for a crunchy surprise. Top with crisp cucumber slices and tangy pickled red onion. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and chopped parsley. Serve with warm, torn pita bread—yes, that pita is non-negotiable for scooping every delicious bite!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to make these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe even better. These tips saved me from common pitfalls and helped boost the flavors without extra fuss.

Don’t rush the onions: Softened onions add both moisture and sweetness to balance the spices, so give them a full 3-5 minutes before adding the meat.
Break up the chicken well: Use a wooden spoon or meat masher to crumble the chicken evenly. This way, you get perfectly cooked little bites instead of clumps.
Heat your skillet properly: Preheating the pan ensures the chicken sears nicely instead of stewing—it helps lock in flavor and texture.
Save extra sauce: The leftover spicy feta dip is such a winner—try it with crackers, as a sandwich spread, or even mixed into pasta!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing these bowls off with fresh herbs—mint and parsley really brighten the dish and amplify the Mediterranean vibe. I also love a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for that silky richness and finally some extra crumbled feta for saltiness. If I want a hint of tang, I throw in some pickled red onions—they’re like magic.

Side Dishes

Even though these bowls are hearty on their own, I sometimes serve them alongside a simple Mediterranean salad—think chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a lemony vinaigrette. Or warm pita wedges on the side for extra dipping fun. Roasted vegetables or a light tzatziki sauce also work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to assemble these bowls in glass jars for a show-stopping layered effect—perfect for a picnic or a laid-back dinner party. You can also plate the components separately for a build-your-own bowl experience with guests, letting everyone scoop and garnish to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Bowls keep beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the spiced chicken, rice, and veggies separately from the feta sauce and garnishes to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the cooked spiced chicken and rice on their own, then thaw and reheat later. The fresh toppings and feta sauce don’t freeze well, so plan to add those fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a little splash of water or olive oil if things seem dry. Keep the sauce and fresh toppings cold until serving so you get that lovely contrast of creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different protein in this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or lamb work beautifully and give a slight twist to the flavor profile. If you’re vegetarian, roasted chickpeas or spiced mushrooms are great alternatives too.

How spicy is the spicy feta sauce?

The spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce has a gentle, lingering heat that can be adjusted to your preferences. If you like more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika when blending the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the pita bread for gluten-free pita or serve the bowls without any bread. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the components separately in airtight containers: chicken and rice together, sauce in a separate jar, and keep fresh veggies and herbs in the fridge until ready to serve. This keeps everything tasting fresh for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

I truly love how this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Recipe manages to be both comforting and bright, healthy yet indulgent. It’s one of those meals I turn to whether I’m rushed or want to impress friends. I really hope you give it a try—I have a feeling it’s going to become a new favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.