Chicken breast works well in this recipe for a lean protein addition to the bowl, but you could try substituting in different cuts of chicken, such as chicken thighs, for a more flavorful cut. If you’re short on time, you can purchase a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, but if you do have the time to marinate the chicken fresh, it brings out the best of the flavors.
For serving, a slice of warm pita bread or a tasty flatbread is a handy way to scoop up all the flavors in the bowl for a heartier lunch. And if rice isn’t your preferred grain then alternatives, such as quinoa and buckwheat, are just as enjoyable in this lunchtime meal.
Protein and Topping Variations
In this recipe, the chicken breast is the lead protein ingredient, but you can easily swap the chicken for another meat, such as lamb, or make a fully plant-based bowl. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and another classic Mediterranean ingredient that can be used in place of the chicken.
Feta cheese is a delicious Mediterranean cheese for this recipe, with its salty and savory flavors, but there are plenty of other cheeses that will suit this dish. For example, blue cheese provides a similar crumbly texture, but boasts a stronger, more distinctive taste.
Other toppings including red bell peppers, spinach, and sesame seeds also pair perfectly with the flavors of a Mediterranean bowl, bringing new textures and dimensions to the dish. Lastly, a serving of sliced jalapeño peppers sprinkled on top of the bowl adds an extra kick of heat to the recipe.
How to Balance Flavors
What’s appealing about a chicken Mediterranean bowl is that you can customize the dish in endless ways, depending on your preferences. Aim for a balance of salty, savory, spicy, and sweet flavors for the best results. Once you have your protein and rice base to build from, then you can easily balance the bowl using a mixture of your selected toppings.
