Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 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; ½ batch Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip; 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or brown rice recommended); 1 cup roasted chickpeas (or regular rinsed and drained chickpeas); 4 Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced; Pickled red onion, to taste; Warm torn pita bread, for scooping; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Crumbled feta cheese, to taste; Fresh mint leaves; Fresh chopped parsley

There’s nothing quite like a bowl packed full of fresh flavors and a little kick of spice to brighten your dinner table. The Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe is exactly that—an easy, colorful, and vibrant meal you’ll find yourself making again and again.

A deep white bowl holds a colorful layered dish starting with a smooth bright orange base spread evenly on the bottom. On top of that lies a mix of cooked golden brown chickpeas and crumbled light brown cooked pieces, scattered throughout the dish. Over these are thin, curly slices of bright pink pickled onions arranged in loops, adding height and a pop of color. Small pieces of fresh green cucumber, cut into halves or quarters, are spread across the dish along with sprigs of fresh green mint leaves. White crumbles of cheese are sprinkled generously over, contrasting with the other colors. The dish is finished with small bits of chopped green herbs scattered over everything. The whole bowl sits 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 Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, this Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe quickly became one of my weeknight go-tos. It balances hearty, spiced chicken with the creamy tang of feta sauce and fresh, crisp toppings—it’s like a Mediterranean party in every bite!

Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavors: The spicy roasted red pepper feta adds a creamy heat that’s irresistibly delicious.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies to keep you satisfied.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to customize with your favorite proteins or sides.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe plays a role in creating those bright, layered flavors and awesome textures. Here’s why I love them—and my top tips when shopping for these key players.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with bright spicy roasted red pepper feta dip, a small white bowl with golden extra-virgin olive oil, a mound of finely diced yellow onion, a neat pile of mixed ground chicken seasoned with visible dried oregano and paprika flakes, whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of cooked jasmine rice with separated grains, roasted chickpeas with a golden brown roasted texture, fresh Persian cucumbers halved lengthwise and thinly sliced, thinly sliced pink pickled red onions, torn pieces of warm pita bread stacked neatly, crumbled fresh white feta cheese, fresh bright green mint leaves, and chopped fresh parsley sprigs, arranged symmetrically 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

Ground chicken: Moist and mild, it soaks up the spices perfectly. You can swap with turkey, beef, or lamb if you want a different flavor profile.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry the spices when cooking the chicken, plus drizzling it on top brings a lovely finish.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed—finely diced is perfect to blend with the chicken.
Spices (garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme): This aromatic blend gives the chicken its warm, smoky, and slightly earthy flavor that'll have you hooked.
Cooked rice: I love jasmine for its floral notes, but brown rice adds nuttiness and extra fiber.
Roasted chickpeas: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor; convenient store-bought ones like Biena work amazing here.
Persian cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, they balance the spice and creaminess beautifully.
Pickled red onion: Brings tang and a slight sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip: The star ingredient that brings creamy heat, perfectly tying the bowl together.
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley): These brighten every bite with freshness and lift the whole dish.
Warm pita bread: Ideal for scooping, making this bowl interactive and fun to eat.

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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

This recipe feels like a blank canvas—once you nail the basics, it’s so fun to customize depending on what you have or what you’re craving. I usually swap the ground chicken for lamb when I’m feeling fancy, and sometimes I mix in roasted veggies for extra color.

Variation: Using ground lamb adds richness and a more intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices and feta—give it a try if you want a heartier option.
Gluten-Free Option: Skip the pita and use cauliflower rice or a grain like quinoa for a lighter bowl.
Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken spices or drizzle some harissa for more kick.
Fresh Vegetables: Feel free to swap cucumbers with sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted zucchini depending on the season.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe

In a white bowl, there is a colorful layered dish starting from the bottom left with golden chickpeas in a smooth orange sauce. Next to it, on the right, is a fluffy white layer of rice. On top of both, there is a crumbly brownish-yellow layer of spiced minced meat or plant-based crumble mixed with some green herbs. Bright green cucumber slices and curly, thin reddish-pink pickled onions are scattered across the top. White crumbled cheese pieces and fresh mint leaves are spread over everything. A golden fork rests inside the bowl near the chickpeas, and a woman's hand is lifting a piece of flatbread from the left side of the bowl. The setting is on a white marbled surface with small bowls of herbs and cucumber visible around the main bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Start by making the spicy red pepper feta sauce—it’s where so much of the magic happens! I usually prepare a full batch, then save half for snacking or sandwiches later. It’s creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy, and really makes the chicken come alive.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Push the onions aside and add your ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well and cook until no pink remains—about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; letting the spices bloom while the chicken cooks makes all the difference.

Step 3: Assemble Your Mediterranean Chicken Bowl

Place a generous scoop of the spicy feta dip on one side of a shallow bowl. Add a half-cup of your cooked rice next to it. Top part of the sauce with roasted chickpeas to add crunch and extra protein. Then mound the spiced chicken right in the middle. Layer on fresh sliced cucumbers and vibrant pickled red onions for balance. To finish, drizzle some olive oil over everything, sprinkle with crumbled feta and toss a few fresh mint leaves and chopped parsley on top. Serve with warm pita bread torn into bite-sized pieces for scooping—this is the kind of meal that's fun to eat!

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I’ve realized these small adjustments make the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe come together perfectly every time.

Searing the Chicken Well: Don’t crowd the pan; this lets the meat brown slightly for more flavor instead of steaming.
Balancing Spice and Creaminess: The red pepper feta dip is spicy but cools everything down—be generous to avoid a “dry” bowl.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Adding mint and parsley last breathes life into the bowl and keeps flavors bright.
Warm Your Pita: I like wrapping pita in foil and warming it in a low oven for 5–7 minutes to keep it soft and perfect for scooping.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowl - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish the bowl with a drizzle of fruity extra-virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of crumbly feta for that salty hit, and plenty of fresh mint and parsley leaves. These little touches elevate the dish and add layers of flavor and color that make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

While this bowl is a complete meal on its own, serving it with a side of warm pita bread is a must in my book. I’ve also enjoyed pairing it with a simple Greek salad or even roasted Mediterranean veggies for an even heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served these bowls buffet-style, letting guests assemble their own with toppings and spreads laid out. It turns mealtime into a fun interactive experience. Another idea is to layer the components in pretty glass jars for grab-and-go lunches with vibrant visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken, rice, and chickpeas separately in airtight containers and keep the feta dip chilled in another container. This prevents sogginess, especially if you want to save crisp veggies for later. The bowl components stay fresh up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

Ground chicken mixtures freeze well—just cool completely, portion, and freeze in freezer-safe containers. The feta dip is best fresh, so I recommend freezing the chicken and chickpeas but making the sauce fresh or thawing it separately.

Reheating

I reheat the chicken mix in a skillet over medium heat to maintain moisture and lightly crisp it up. Rice reheats beautifully in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Add fresh veggies and herbs only after reheating for that perfect contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other proteins instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to swap ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, lamb, or even a plant-based alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.

How spicy is the red pepper feta sauce?

The Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta sauce has a gentle heat from the roasted peppers and spices but balances beautifully with creamy feta. If you prefer less spice, you can use milder peppers or reduce the amount used in the dip.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply omit the pita bread or substitute with gluten-free versions. The rest of the bowl ingredients—rice, chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and sauce—are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe great for gluten-sensitive diets.

What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?

For meal prepping, I recommend cooking the chicken, rice, and chickpeas in advance and storing them in separate airtight containers. Keep fresh toppings like cucumbers and pickled onions stored separately and add just before eating to maintain freshness and texture. The spicy feta dip can be portioned and saved in small containers to top the bowls when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Spicy Red Pepper Feta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a perfect weeknight dish that never feels boring. The layers of flavor and textures come together so effortlessly, it feels like a celebration with every forkful. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this bowl as much as I do—it’s pure comfort, health, and boldness all in one bite.