Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl

Bring the rich and aromatic flavors of the Middle East to your table with this Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl. Juicy spiced chicken, fragrant rice, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt sauce come together in a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious!

Ingredients

For the Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

For Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chickenthe Rice:

2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice

1 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp turmeric (optional for golden color)

2 tbsp chopped parsley

For the Yogurt Sauce:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup cucumber slices

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup diced red onion

1 cup mixed greens or spinach

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

Lemon wedges

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Prepare the Rice:

If desired, stir turmeric into the cooked rice for a vibrant golden hue. Mix in butter and parsley for added flavor.

Make the Yogurt Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill or parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Assemble the Bowls:

Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Add mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Top with sliced chicken.

Drizzle and Garnish:

Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or almonds if desired.

Fragrant, fresh, and absolutely satisfying, this Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl is a perfect way to enjoy bold spices and wholesome ingredients. Great for meal prep or a delightful dinner!