Ingredients

• For the Middle Eastern Chicken
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Salt & pepper to taste
• For the Fragrant Rice
• 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 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 shredded lettuce or spinach
• Optional Garnishes
• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
• Lemon wedges

Directions

• In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
• Cook the Chicken:
• Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
• Prepare the Rice:
• If desired, mix turmeric into the cooked rice for a golden hue. Stir in butter or olive oil and parsley for a fragrant finish.
• Make the Yogurt Sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill or parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Assemble the Bowls:
• Start with a base of fragrant rice in each bowl. Add shredded lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
• Top with sliced chicken.
• Drizzle and Garnish:
• Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the bowl. Garnish with parsley, toasted pine nuts or almonds, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

• This Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Bowl is bursting with bold spices, aromatic rice, and fresh toppings. Juicy spiced chicken combines perfectly with fragrant rice and a creamy yogurt drizzle for a wholesome and flavorful meal!

Photos