Name: Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce 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; 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, as desired; Warm torn pita bread, for scooping; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; Extra crumbled feta cheese; Fresh mint leaves; Fresh chopped parsley

Nothing beats a bowl bursting with flavors that take you straight to a sunny Mediterranean coast. This Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner hero — fresh, vibrant, and coming together in just 30 minutes.

A blue bowl holds a layered dish starting with a smooth, bright orange spread at the base. On top of this, there is a mix of golden-brown chickpeas and yellowish chunks of seasoned minced ingredients. Thin, bright pink strips of pickled onions and small slices of fresh green cucumber are scattered on top, along with white crumbles of cheese. Fresh green herbs and mint leaves are sprinkled over the whole bowl, giving it a fresh, colorful look. The photo is taken 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 Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made tons of Mediterranean-inspired bowls, but this one really nails the balance between spicy, creamy, and fresh. The spicy feta sauce alone makes it a standout, bringing a creamy kick that jazzes up the tender, spiced chicken. It’s become a go-to for me when I want something healthy but still deeply satisfying.

Flavor-packed: The spices on the chicken combined with the tangy feta sauce create layers of deliciousness in every bite.
Quick to make: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
Versatile and customizable: Use ground chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb depending on your mood or fridge situation.
Great for meal prep: These bowls keep well in the fridge and taste awesome reheated, making your weekday lunches effortless.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients here work in beautiful harmony — the spices coat the ground chicken just right, while the creamy spicy feta sauce adds a fresh zing that contrasts with the roasted chickpeas’ crunch. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and quality feta for the best results.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright red roasted red pepper feta dip, a raw pound of ground chicken with a pale pink color, half a medium to large yellow onion finely diced on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with extra-virgin olive oil, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of cooked jasmine rice with fluffy grains, a small white bowl of roasted golden brown chickpeas, four fresh Persian cucumbers halved lengthwise and sliced, thin slices of bright pink pickled red onion on a white ceramic plate, broken pieces of warm torn pita bread stacked neatly on a white ceramic dish, small white bowls of crumbled crumbly white feta cheese, fresh green mint leaves, and fresh chopped parsley scattered evenly, placed 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

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and brown the chicken evenly.
Ground chicken: Tender and mild, a great canvas for those warm spices. Turkey or lamb work too!
Yellow onion: Sweetness and texture, essential to build flavor.
Kosher salt & spices (garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, black pepper): These give the chicken that signature Mediterranean flavor, making each bite aromatic and complex.
Cooked rice (jasmine or brown): The comforting base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Roasted or regular chickpeas: Adds pleasant crunch and protein.
Persian cucumbers: Freshness and crunch, crucial to balance those rich flavors.
Pickled red onion: A bright, tangy punch that really wakes up the bowl.
Warm pita bread: Perfect for scooping up the goodness, making it a more interactive meal.
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley): Brighten and add a burst of freshness.
Feta cheese (crumbled): Creamy, salty, and the star of the spicy feta sauce.

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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

One of the things I love about this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch the protein based on what’s in the fridge — turkey or lamb give it a nice twist. Plus, if you like it spicier, you can add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the sauce or chicken. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Variation: I once swapped the rice for couscous and even quinoa — both worked great and gave the bowl a slightly different texture and nutty flavor. It keeps the recipe exciting every time.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and bulk up the chickpeas or swap for grilled halloumi or tofu for an equally satisfying bowl.
Seasonal tweaks: In warmer months, I like to add fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers to brighten things even more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe

In a white bowl, there is a colorful dish with four main visible layers. The base layer on one side is fluffy white rice with some green herb sprinkles and a fresh mint leaf on top. Next to it, spread in the bowl, is a creamy orange sauce topped with golden-brown chickpeas. On top of this are small chunks of yellow seasoned cooked ground meat mixed with chopped green cucumbers and thin, bright pink pickled onion slices scattered evenly. White crumbles of soft cheese and green mint leaves are scattered over the whole dish. A golden fork rests inside the bowl near the chickpeas, and a woman's hand is holding a piece of light flatbread dipping into the food. The background is a white marbled surface with small bowls and extra herbs around the main bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Feta Sauce

Start by making the spicy roasted red pepper feta sauce. This sauce really elevates the entire bowl with its creamy texture and a mild spicy kick. I like to make a full batch so I have extra to snack on throughout the week — it’s that good! But for this recipe, you’ll only need half. Whisk or blend everything together until smooth and set aside while you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Spiced Ground Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and let them soften and become aromatic — about 3 to 5 minutes. Push them to the edges, add the ground chicken, and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir the onions back in, then sprinkle in all those fantastic spices: salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, turmeric, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture until the chicken is no longer pink, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. Watch the pan closely to avoid drying out the meat — juicy chicken makes all the difference.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Grab your serving bowls — I love shallow ones to spread everything out nicely. Place a big scoop of the spicy feta sauce on one side, gently spoon rice on the other. Top the rice with spiced ground chicken, then add roasted chickpeas over part of the sauce for some crunch. Layer on fresh cucumber slices and tangy pickled red onion for brightness. Drizzle a little olive oil, sprinkle crumbled feta, fresh mint, and parsley over the top. Serve warm pita alongside for scooping up every last bite.

Top Tip

Through making this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe countless times, I picked up a few tricks to make it foolproof and even better every time.

Don’t skip browning the onion first: It builds so much flavor, and softened onions mix best with the ground chicken.
Season generously: The blend of spices really makes the chicken sing, so don’t be shy with them—freshly ground pepper especially adds depth.
Keep the sauce ready ahead: Making the spicy feta sauce a day ahead lets the flavors marry beautifully. Plus, it saves time on your cooking day.
Warm your pita: Just a quick heat in a dry skillet makes it perfect for scooping and adds a lovely toasty aroma.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Bowls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish my bowls with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil — it adds gloss and richness. Crumbled feta adds a little salty creaminess on top, and fresh mint and parsley bring a refreshing herbal brightness that balances the spicy sauce and warm spices perfectly. These garnishes really make the dish sparkle.

Side Dishes

Serve these bowls with warm pita bread to scoop up every bit of the sauce and chicken. Sometimes, I add a side of roasted veggies like eggplants or zucchini to keep it light but filling. A simple Greek salad pairs beautifully too if you want something green and crisp alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve spread out all components on a large platter for a “build your own bowl” party style. Everyone loves customizing their bowls with extra pickled onions, fresh herbs, or adding a squeeze of lemon. It turns a simple dinner into a fun, interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and keep the spicy feta sauce separate to preserve its texture. The bowl ingredients last nicely for 3 to 4 days — perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the spiced ground chicken alone before with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The sauce doesn’t freeze well because of the creaminess, so keep it fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a skillet on medium heat to warm the chicken and rice, adding a splash of water if things feel dry. Then I spoon on the fresh spicy feta sauce cold — it keeps the creamy texture intact and prevents the bowl from becoming heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other meats besides chicken in this Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or lamb all work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, but the spice blend remains the same.

How spicy is the feta sauce, and can I adjust it?

The sauce has a mild spicy kick from the roasted red peppers and a little heat, but it’s completely adjustable. You can add more chili flakes or cayenne if you want extra heat or tone it down by reducing the spicy elements.

Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the spicy feta sauce a day ahead, and cooking the chicken a few hours ahead works well too. Keep components separate until serving for best freshness.

What’s the best rice to use for this recipe?

I prefer jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but brown rice adds nuttiness and extra fiber. Both soak up the sauce nicely, so it really depends on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Bowls with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe quickly turned into one of my favorite quick dinners because it’s just so effortlessly flavorful and well balanced. It feels bright and fresh, yet satisfying and hearty. Trust me, making this bowl is a little bit of sunshine you can create in your own kitchen any night of the week. Give it a try — I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your rotation too!