Meta Description: This Mediterranean chicken hummus bowls recipe is the ultimate easy and healthy meal. Learn how to create a vibrant, flavorful bowl with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy hummus.
I’ll admit, my relationship with weeknight dinners used to be a little rocky. After a long day, the last thing I wanted was to spend an hour in the kitchen, juggling multiple pots and pans. I found myself relying on takeout more often than I’d like to admit, but it never left me feeling truly satisfied. Then, I had a revelation. While on vacation, I had a simple, perfect bowl at a small cafe that was layered with hummus, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables. It was so light yet so filling, and the flavors were incredible. I knew I had to recreate it at home. It was a complete game-changer, and it became my go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner.
This Mediterranean chicken hummus bowls recipe is my ode to that perfect meal. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and its layered approach. You get a perfect combination of tender, seasoned chicken, creamy hummus, fresh, crunchy vegetables, and a few key finishing touches that bring it all together. It’s a meal that feels both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, reminiscent of a sunny Mediterranean vacation. The textures are a perfect mix of soft, creamy, and crunchy.
Beyond its incredible taste, this chicken and hummus bowl is a fantastic solution for meal prep. You can chop your vegetables, cook your chicken, and portion out your hummus ahead of time, making assembly a breeze on a busy weeknight. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can swap out the vegetables, change the protein, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity and personal touches. So, let’s get ready to build a delicious bowl that feels like a little piece of sunshine on your dinner table.
✅ Ingredients for a Perfect Bowl
Creating a delicious Mediterranean chicken hummus bowl requires a few key, high-quality ingredients.1 The better your ingredients, the more incredible your final bowl will be.
For the Chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon2
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
For the Hummus & Veggies
- Hummus: 1 (16-ounce) container, plain or roasted red pepper flavor
- Cucumber: 1 large, diced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved3
- Red Onion: 1/2 small, thinly sliced
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Pita Bread or Naan: for serving
- Lemon Wedges: for a fresh squeeze
- Pinch of Sumac: for garnish
⏰ Total Time and Equipment
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
You’ll need:
- A large skillet
- A large mixing bowl for the chicken
- A cutting board and a sharp knife
- Serving bowls
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this healthy chicken and hummus recipe is incredibly easy. Just follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). This step adds a beautiful color and a depth of flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Prep the Veggies: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the kalamata olives.
- Assemble the Bowls: Now for the fun part! Start with a generous scoop of hummus in the bottom of each serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a little well in the middle.
- Layer with Goodness: Arrange the cooked chicken, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives over the hummus.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the bowls with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Add a final drizzle of olive oil over the top and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or naan on the side.
🌟 Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
This chicken and hummus bowl is a fantastic base for all sorts of creative additions.
- Add a Grain: To make this a heartier, more substantial meal, add a layer of cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice to the bottom of the bowl before adding the hummus.4 This turns it into a more filling meal perfect for a big appetite.
- Veggie Swaps: You can easily swap out the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even a handful of mixed greens would be delicious.
- Make it Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or stir a little sriracha into your hummus.
- Different Protein: Not in the mood for chicken? You can substitute it with grilled salmon, roasted chickpeas, or a falafel patty. The flavors of this dish are incredibly versatile and work well with many different proteins.5
- Make Your Own Hummus: While store-bought hummus is a great shortcut, making your own is a fun project and gives you total control over the flavor. All you need are chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a little water.
❓ Answering Your Questions
- Can I meal prep these bowls? Yes, absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and chop all the vegetables ahead of time. Store the chicken, veggies, and hummus in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the ingredients from getting soggy.
- Why do I need to use separate bowls for the different components? Assembling the bowls in layers, rather than mixing everything together, is what gives this dish its visual appeal and allows you to taste each individual component. The creamy hummus, the crisp vegetables, and the tender chicken all shine on their own while also complementing each other perfectly in every bite.
- Can I use a different type of hummus? Yes! While a plain or roasted red pepper hummus is a classic choice, feel free to use your favorite flavor. A sun-dried tomato or garlic hummus would also be delicious and add a different flavor profile.
- How do I get the chicken to be golden brown? The key is to use a hot pan and to not overcrowd it. If you put too much chicken in the pan at once, it will steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it gets that beautiful golden-brown crust.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1 bowl) |
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. For personalized dietary advice, please consult a qualified health professional.
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Mediterranean chicken hummus bowls are a complete meal, but you can elevate them with a few simple additions.
- Warm Pita Bread: Serving a side of warm pita bread or toasted naan is a must! It’s perfect for scooping up the hummus and juices at the bottom of the bowl.
- Extra Veggies: Add a side of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé would be a perfect complement to the fresh, vibrant flavors of this dish.
✨ The Joy of a Simple, Layered Meal
There’s something truly special about a meal that is both healthy and incredibly easy to make. This Mediterranean chicken hummus bowl is a perfect example of that. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a complicated list of ingredients or a difficult technique to create something truly magical. The simple act of layering fresh, wholesome ingredients becomes a form of art, and the final result is a beautiful, satisfying, and delicious meal that will make you feel great.
This recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. It’s a dish that celebrates fresh flavors and simple cooking, and it’s a reliable go-to that will become a new favorite in your home. It’s the kind of meal that will earn you compliments and will make you feel good about what you’re eating. So, go on, give it a try. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with these vibrant, flavor-packed bowls. What are your favorite toppings for a Mediterranean bowl?
