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Easy Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Chicken Bowl Recipe with Tzatziki and Farro

Mediterranean chicken bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean chicken bowl featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, nutty farro, and creamy homemade tzatziki, perfect for a satisfying meal any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup farro
  • 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Rinse farro under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add farro and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain excess liquid and fluff with a fork.
  3. Grate cucumber finely and squeeze out excess water. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  5. Divide cooked farro into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, dollops of tzatziki, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Add crumbled feta if using. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle sumac.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes to avoid changing texture. Taste farro early to avoid overcooking. Squeeze cucumber dry for thick tzatziki. Cook farro first, then marinate and cook chicken to save time. Store tzatziki separately to avoid watery leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken bowl, tzatziki, farro, easy chicken recipe, healthy dinner, quick meal, Greek yogurt sauce