The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its fresh, wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavors, and health benefits. One dish that encapsulates all of these characteristics is the Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers. This recipe combines juicy, tender grilled chicken with seasoned rice, crispy vegetables, and a tangy Tzatziki sauce. If you’re looking for a meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this Mediterranean rice bowl should be your go-to.
What is Chicken Tawook?
Chicken Tawook is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken that is skewered and grilled. The marinade typically consists of yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. This combination results in a tender, juicy grilled chicken that is packed with flavor. Chicken Tawook is often served with a variety of sides like rice, pita bread, or a refreshing salad, making it the perfect protein to pair with a Mediterranean rice bowl.
Why Mediterranean Rice Bowls?
Rice bowls have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are versatile, customizable, and provide the perfect base for any number of delicious toppings. The Mediterranean Rice Bowl is a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy a balanced, nutritious meal. The seasoned rice, combined with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken, offers a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients for the Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers
To make this dish at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Tawook Skewers:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into tenders or cubes for skewering)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (for grilling)
For the Mediterranean Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onions (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber (peeled and grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fresh Garnishes:
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions for Preparing the Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tawook
Begin by preparing the chicken Tawook marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken. You can also marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Mediterranean Rice
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned rice. Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This will help the rice cook fluffy and separate. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, along with the olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the rice well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the fresh parsley and chopped red onions for a burst of color and flavor. Set the rice aside while you prepare the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill the Chicken Tawook
After the chicken has marinated, it’s time to grill. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when it’s ready.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken Tawook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki sauce is the perfect complement to the Mediterranean Rice Bowl and Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers. To make the sauce, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water or more lemon juice. Set the tzatziki sauce aside in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Assemble the Mediterranean Rice Bowl
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Mediterranean rice bowl. Start by placing a generous serving of seasoned rice at the bottom of each bowl. Arrange the grilled Chicken Tawook skewers on top of the rice. You can either serve the chicken on the skewers or remove it and place the tender pieces directly on the rice.
Next, add your fresh garnishes. Spoon a few tablespoons of tzatziki sauce over the chicken, and then add chopped fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives (if using). The combination of fresh vegetables adds a nice crunch and complements the rich flavors of the grilled chicken and seasoned rice.
Finish the dish with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top before serving. The citrusy zing of the lemon will enhance the overall flavor profile of the rice bowl.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is now ready to be served! This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and makes for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal. The juicy grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce come together in a bowl that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy Grilled Chicken: The Chicken Tawook is marinated to perfection, making it tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The grilling process gives the chicken a delicious smoky char that adds depth to the dish.
- Mediterranean Rice: The seasoned rice serves as the perfect base for the chicken. Infused with cumin, paprika, and fresh parsley, the rice is both aromatic and flavorful, complementing the other ingredients in the bowl.
- Fresh Ingredients: The fresh vegetables and herbs add crunch, color, and freshness to the rice bowl, creating a well-balanced meal.
- Tzatziki Sauce: The creamy tzatziki sauce made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill provides a refreshing contrast to the warm and savory elements of the bowl. It ties everything together and elevates the flavors.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly versatile. You can easily adjust the toppings based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Feel free to add more vegetables or even swap out the chicken for another protein, like lamb or beef.
Final Thoughts
The Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. From the juicy grilled chicken to the seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, nutritious, and flavorful meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Mediterranean rice bowl will surely impress.
By using fresh ingredients, making your own tzatziki sauce, and grilling the chicken to perfection, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen?
Enjoy your Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers, and don’t forget to squeeze a bit of lemon over the top for that extra burst of flavor!
