Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce 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; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or brown rice); 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, for drizzling; Extra feta, crumbled; Fresh mint leaves; Fresh chopped parsley

There’s something so satisfying about a hearty bowl that combines fresh, bold flavors and a bit of a spicy kick—like this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe. It’s colorful, packed with protein, and breezes through prep and cooking in just 30 minutes. Perfect for dinner or meal prep!

A deep blue bowl holds a layered dish starting with a thick, smooth orange spread at the bottom. On top of this spread, there is a mixture of small, golden-brown roasted chickpeas and a finely crumbed, golden-yellow cooked grain or legume. Scattered over these are fresh cucumber slices, bright pink pickled onion strips, and white crumbled cheese, all topped with fresh green parsley and whole mint leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured 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 Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe more times than I can count—and every time it feels like a little celebration at the dinner table. The blend of spices, creamy tangy sauce, and fresh toppings hits all the right notes for a balanced, delicious meal.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable Protein: I love using ground chicken, but you can swap in turkey, beef, or even lamb for a twist.
Flavor-Packed Spicy Feta Sauce: It’s creamy, zesty, and adds a wonderful spicy depth that ties the bowl together beautifully.
Perfect For Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead, and you’re set for several days of nourishing, satisfying meals.

Ingredients & Why They Work

What I love about this recipe is how well these ingredients complement each other—spices warming the chicken, fresh cucumbers cooling things down, and that spicy feta sauce bringing it all together. When shopping, look for good-quality olive oil and fresh herbs—they make a real difference!

Flat lay of a small mound of ground chicken, a few whole yellow onion halves, a small pile of mixed dried spices (paprika, turmeric, thyme, cumin, oregano) arranged separately, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a quarter cup of cooked jasmine rice, a small white bowl of roasted chickpeas, three halved and sliced Persian cucumbers, a small white bowl with pickled red onions, a small white bowl of spicy roasted red pepper feta dip, some torn pieces of warm pita bread stacked neatly, a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, and a few small chunks of crumbled feta cheese—all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed 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: Adds richness and helps soften onions and chicken beautifully.
Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and a fantastic canvas for the spices.
Yellow onion: Builds savory sweetness to balance the spice.
Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out flavors evenly.
Garlic powder: Adds a depth of garlicky aroma without overpowering.
Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy note classic in Mediterranean dishes.
Dried oregano: Brings that familiar Mediterranean herb flavor.
Paprika: Sweet and smoky, perfect for color and taste.
Turmeric: Adds warmth and a subtle bright hue.
Dried thyme: Adds complexity with its herbal lift.
Freshly ground black pepper: The perfect peppery kick.
Rice (jasmine or brown): Fluffy base that soaks up all the flavors.
Roasted chickpeas: Adds crunch and extra protein.
Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing contrast.
Pickled red onion: Bright acidity to cut through richness.
Warm torn pita: Ideal for scooping every last bit.
Fresh mint and parsley: They lift and freshen the whole dish when sprinkled on top.
Crumbled feta: Adds tang and creaminess as a final flourish.

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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

I like to tweak these bowls depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. The versatility is part of what keeps this recipe in my regular rotation.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the ground chicken for ground lamb—it’s so rich and pairs beautifully with the spicy feta sauce.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spiced tofu, plus double the chickpeas for protein.
Add more veggies: Roasted eggplant or bell peppers add sweetness and texture, which makes it feel even more like a complete meal.
Adjust the heat: If you want it milder, reduce the spices in the sauce or swap spicy feta sauce for a milder yogurt-based dip.

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

A white bowl holds a colorful layered dish starting with a base of white rice on one side. Next to the rice is a vibrant mix of golden chickpeas and crumbly yellow spice-coated ground meat or lentils. On top of this, bright pink pickled onion slices curve over the dish along with fresh green cucumber slices and white crumbled cheese scattered evenly. Fresh green mint leaves and herbs are placed for garnish. A gold fork rests on the chickpeas near the center, and a woman's hand is lifting a folded piece of flatbread from the edge of the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface with small bowls of cucumbers and herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Start by making your spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce according to the linked recipe. I make a full batch and save half for snacking—the sauce keeps well and elevates everything from sandwiches to crackers. For the bowls, you’ll only need half the batch. This sauce is the star, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cook and Season Your Chicken Perfectly

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. I love to gently sweat the onions first until they're soft and sweet—about 3 to 5 minutes. Push those onions aside and crumble in the ground chicken. Break it up with a wooden spoon or meat masher and mix the onions back in. This step is where the magic happens: season generously with salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken until no longer pink—usually about 5 to 7 minutes—making sure it’s well browned in spots for the best flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls With Love

Grab a shallow bowl and spoon a big scoop of that spicy feta sauce on one side, spreading it around a bit. Add a generous half-cup of cooked rice beside it—jasmine or brown rice both work great. Next, sprinkle roasted chickpeas over part of the sauce, then add a scoop of the spiced ground chicken in the center. Top with sliced cucumbers and pickled red onions for crunch and brightness. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over everything, crumble on some extra feta, and scatter fresh mint leaves and parsley to finish. Don’t forget warm torn pita on the side for scooping up every amazing bite!

Top Tip

After making this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe a few dozen times, I've noticed certain little tricks that really push it over the edge. Each once adds a fresh, bright note or texture that makes you want to keep coming back to the recipe.

Layer the Flavors: Don’t skimp on cooking the onions well—they bring sweetness that balances the spices.
Season Well: I always taste the cooked chicken before assembling to make sure the seasoning is spot on; it’s worth the extra moment.
Use Fresh Herbs: Mint and parsley are small touches that lift the bowl and keep it feeling fresh and vibrant.
Don’t Overload the Sauce: A few generous spoonfuls of spicy feta sauce go a long way—too much can overwhelm the other flavors.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always end up adding extra crumbled feta on top with a light drizzle of olive oil and fresh mint leaves. The mint adds such a refreshing herbal contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and creamy sauce. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch when I want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This bowl already feels like a full meal, but if I’m serving guests, I’ll add a crisp Greek salad on the side or some grilled vegetables—think charred zucchini or eggplant for that smoky flavor. A simple lemony tabbouleh also makes a bright, zesty pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I sometimes spread all the components out buffet-style and let guests assemble their own Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe bowls. It’s fun and interactive! Or, for a pretty presentation, layering ingredients in clear glass bowls highlights all those vibrant colors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken and rice separately from the sauce and fresh toppings in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh for about 3-4 days. The sauce can get a bit thicker in the fridge, but just stir in a splash of water or olive oil before using to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked spiced chicken on its own without issue. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The rice and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so I usually prepare fresh when planning to make these bowls again.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I pop the chicken and rice in a skillet with a little splash of olive oil over medium heat to rewarm evenly without drying out. Then add fresh cucumbers, herbs, and the spicy feta sauce on top just before serving so the fresh flavors stay bright.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or lamb all work beautifully and bring their own unique flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is the feta sauce?

The spicy feta sauce has a gentle heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming them. You can adjust the spice level by moderating the chili or red pepper components when making the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the pita bread for gluten-free options or enjoy the bowl without it. The rest of the ingredients, like rice, chickpeas, and chicken, are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooked chicken and rice separately from sauce and fresh toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and rice gently on the stovetop, then add fresh toppings before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe has become my go-to when I want a meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. The balance of warmth from the spices, cooling crunch from cucumbers, and creamy bite of spicy feta sauce keeps me coming back. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon see why it’s a kitchen favorite that feels like a little vacation on your plate!