If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast, then let me introduce you to this incredible Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh herbs, perfectly spiced grilled chicken, and a colorful mix of vegetables all nestled atop fluffy, lemon-infused basmati rice. This dish is as satisfying as it is healthy, blending hearty spices with bright, zesty notes, making it an absolute favorite to whip up for any weeknight dinner or casual weekend feast. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe is straightforward yet essential — each element plays a vital role in ensuring the perfect balance of taste, texture, and stunning color. From the fragrant basmati rice to the bold seasonings on the chicken, plus the fresh veggies and creamy tahini sauce, every component shines individually and together.
- Basmati rice: A fragrant long-grain rice that cooks fluffy and light, forming the perfect base.
- Olive oil: Used both for cooking and marinating, it adds smooth richness and helps seal in flavors.
- Water and salt: Basic essentials that enhance the rice’s natural nuttiness.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy zing that wakes up the entire bowl.
- Dried oregano & fresh parsley: Classic Mediterranean herbs that infuse the rice with earthiness and freshness.
- Chicken breasts: Cubed and marinated, these become tender, juicy, and packed with spices on the grill.
- Garlic, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, black pepper: These robust spices bring warmth, depth, and authentic Middle Eastern flair to the chicken tawook.
- Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion: Fresh, crisp veggies that add crunch and bright color.
- Kalamata olives: Salty, briny pops that beautifully balance the mild ingredients.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy finish to the bowl.
- Tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder: Combine these into a luscious drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Toast and Cook the Basmati Rice
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Adding the basmati rice and toasting it lightly for 1-2 minutes brings out a nuttier flavor and improves the texture. Then pour in 2 cups of water and add salt to taste. Bring it to a boil, lower the heat to simmer, cover, and let it cook until all the water evaporates and the grains are tender. Once done, remove the lid and let the rice rest to steam, then fluff it gently with a fork before stirring in lemon, oregano, and fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Cubes
While the rice cooks, it’s time to prepare the star protein. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them with minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, olive oil, and black pepper. This marinade is where all those earthy, aromatic spices meld beautifully to create that signature tawook flavor. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up all those wonderful spices for at least 20 minutes; if you have time, refrigerate longer for even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, giving each piece a little space for even cooking. Place the skewers on the hot grill, and cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken’s cooked through and has those attractive grill marks. The smoky char and tender inside really elevate the dish, so don’t rush this step! Remove from heat and let rest briefly before sliding off the cubes.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Final Touches
While the chicken is grilling, chop up the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Add briny Kalamata olives and crumble some feta cheese for that creamy, salty contrast. Then, mix tahini with lemon juice and garlic powder into a silky sauce that will tie all the textures and flavors together when drizzled atop the bowl.
Step 5: Assemble Your Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe
Layer a generous helping of fragrant rice first, then crown it with the grilled chicken cubes. Neatly arrange your fresh vegetables, olives, and feta around the chicken, and finish off with a drizzle of the creamy tahini sauce. This bowl isn’t just nourishing and filling — every bite bursts with freshness, spice, and that perfect punch of Mediterranean sunshine.
How to Serve Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of sumac elevates the presentation and adds a subtle tangy note. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to squeeze extra brightness over their bowls and customize each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm pita bread or a crisp green salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs can also complement the bowl, making it a complete, balanced Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewers separately alongside the bowl for guests to build their own plates. Alternatively, pack the components into a mason jar or meal prep container for a colorful, portable lunch option that stays fresh and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe components store well separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the grilled chicken and rice chilled, and store fresh toppings and tahini sauce apart to preserve their textures.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, marinated chicken skewers before grilling for up to a month, perfect for meal prep. However, rice and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well due to texture changes, so it’s best to prepare those fresh.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken skewers in a pan or oven to maintain juiciness without overcooking. Warm the rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist. Add fresh veggies and drizzle the tahini sauce right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
While basmati rice is preferred for its texture and aroma, you can substitute jasmine rice or long-grain white rice. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties, as they change the bowl’s light, fluffy character.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 20 minutes?
Marinating for at least 20 minutes allows the spices to deeply flavor the chicken, but if you’re short on time, even 10 minutes can work. For maximum flavor, marinating longer or overnight in the fridge is ideal.
Can I make the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The tahini sauce can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling, as it may thicken when chilled.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully to cook the chicken skewers indoors. The key is to get that nice char and cook the chicken evenly on all sides.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your tahini and any store-bought spices do not contain additives with gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe is a delicious adventure that combines simple ingredients with bold, irresistible flavors. Once you make this dish, it’s hard not to fall in love with its fresh, balanced, and satisfying nature. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy a home-cooked taste of the Mediterranean! Your future self will thank you for adding this gem to your recipe collection.
Print
Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, marinated grilled chicken served over fragrant basmati rice infused with lemon and herbs. Fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese add a refreshing contrast, while a creamy tahini sauce ties all the flavors together, making it a perfect balanced meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Rice and Herbs
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Chicken Marinade and Skewers
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Tahini Sauce
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of basmati rice and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Pour 2 cups of water into the saucepan, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Rest and Season Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for fresh herbal notes.
- Prepare Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine bite-sized chicken breast cubes with 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Marinate Chicken: Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the bold, aromatic spices.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the skewers.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, spacing the pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
- Grill Chicken Skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is fully cooked and marked with grill lines, indicating proper searing.
- Prepare Vegetables: While chicken cooks, dice 1/2 cup cucumber, halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion to add fresh, crunchy textures.
- Prepare Olives and Cheese: Slice 1/4 cup Kalamata olives and crumble 1/4 cup feta cheese for salty and tangy accents.
- Rest Chicken: Once grilled, remove chicken from heat and let the skewers rest a few minutes before removing the chicken pieces from the skewers to retain juices.
- Make Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon tahini, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy for a luscious topping.
- Assemble Bowls: Start with a base of the lemon-herb rice in each bowl. Top with grilled chicken pieces, then arrange cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese around the chicken.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the tahini sauce evenly over the assembled bowls and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken skewers in the oven.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and add grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant instead.
- Serve with warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
