Name: Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1½ lb (700 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 1–2 tsp chili paste, harissa, or sriracha (to taste); Black pepper, to taste; 4–6 pita breads, toasted and cut into wedges; 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced; Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

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If you’re searching for a sensational dish that combines bold flavors, fresh textures, and a little bit of heat, the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is about to become your new favorite meal. Tender, lemony chicken, snappy veggies, briny olives, and golden pita wedges all snuggle up in a bowl, drenched in a creamy, feisty feta sauce that packs just the right amount of kick. It’s the kind of dinner that always feels special, but is secretly super easy—perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings alike.

Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient brings its A-game—adding color, oomph, or a crucial pop of Mediterranean flavor. Each part of the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is essential for the harmony of the dish.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The juicy, meaty base of the bowl; thighs are even more tender, but breasts keep things lean.
Olive Oil: Classic Mediterranean richness and a beautiful way to lock in flavor in both the marinade and the sauce.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy zip that makes the chicken and sauce come alive.
Garlic: Essential punch; use fresh cloves for the most robust, fragrant taste.
Dried Oregano, Paprika & Cumin: These dried spices create a deliciously earthy and aromatic Mediterranean blend for your chicken.
Salt & Black Pepper: Don’t be shy—well-seasoned chicken is key to a memorable pita bowl.
Greek Yogurt: Makes the spicy feta sauce irresistibly creamy and adds a pleasant tang.
Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty, and just the right amount of funk to balance spice.
Lemon Juice (for sauce): Extra brightness that ties everything together.
Chili Paste, Harissa, or Sriracha: Choose your favorite hot sauce for customizable heat in your sauce.
Pita Bread: Toasted and sliced for dunking or scooping every delicious bite.
Cooked Rice, Quinoa, or Couscous: Grains add substance and soak up all those amazing juices and sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh, crisp, and juicy—these veggies bring a burst of color and crunch.
Kalamata Olives: Their signature brininess keeps things authentically Mediterranean.
Fresh Parsley or Dill: A shower of herbs at the end makes every bite taste extra fresh.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add your chicken and toss until thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes for a quick fix—or slide it in the fridge for up to 12 hours if you want the flavors to really get cozy with the chicken. Trust me, that extra time makes everything more vibrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot surface and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is caramelized on the edges, a little charred, and cooked all the way through. Let it rest for a couple of minutes (it stays juicy this way), then slice it against the grain for tender, golden strips.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Feta Sauce

Combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, your favorite chili paste or hot sauce, and a sprinkle of black pepper in a blender or small bowl. Blend or whisk until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and beautifully pink. Taste and adjust the heat level—this is your chance to make the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce as fiery or mild as you like!

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon a bed of your favorite grains (rice, quinoa, or couscous) into each bowl. Top generously with sliced chicken. Layer on the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and nestle in those crispy pita wedges. Everything should look vibrant and bountiful—a true Mediterranean feast.

Step 5: Serve

Drizzle the spicy feta sauce liberally over everything and finish with a big scatter of fresh parsley or dill. The colors and aromas will make it almost impossible to wait until the table is set. Your Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is officially ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A last sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill brightens up the whole dish and adds that beautiful touch of green. A pinch of extra crumbled feta or a final drizzle of olive oil will make your Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce look straight out of a restaurant.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are hearty all on their own, pairing them with a classic Greek salad, some marinated artichoke hearts, or even a big bowl of lemony roasted potatoes takes dinner to the next level. A chilled glass of crisp white wine wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Let guests build their own Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce by setting out the ingredients buffet-style for a build-your-own bowl night. For parties, serve the components on a large platter—the chicken, veggies, and sauce placed artfully—so everyone can assemble their own perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep components separate if possible—this keeps the veggies crisp, the chicken moist, and the pita from getting soggy. The Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce stays delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. The grains freeze well too! The sauce and veggies, however, are best enjoyed fresh. When ready to serve, just thaw in the fridge and refresh the bowl with new veggies and pita.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and grains in a skillet or microwave until hot. Serve with fresh veggies and a cold dollop of spicy feta sauce to maintain that perfect contrast of temperatures and textures that makes the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce shine.

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein for the chicken?

Absolutely! This bowl works beautifully with grilled shrimp, lamb, or even roasted chickpeas if you’d like to keep it vegetarian—the flavors of the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce adapt to almost any base.

What if I don’t have harissa or sriracha for the sauce?

No worries—try any chili paste you have on hand, or even a little bit of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Just add a tiny bit at a time and taste as you go, since heat levels can really vary.

Can I make the spicy feta sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. In fact, it gets even better after a few hours as the flavors develop, so you can prep it in advance for an ultra-flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce whenever you’re ready to assemble.

What’s the best way to toast pita bread?

Heat the wedges in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re puffed and lightly golden, or pop them in a 375°F oven for a few minutes. For an extra treat, brush with olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano before toasting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free pita and opt for rice or quinoa instead of couscous as your grain. Every other element of the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Bring a splash of Mediterranean sunshine to your table and treat yourself to the rich, layered flavors in this Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce. It’s endlessly customizable, delightfully colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser—so gather your favorite people, grab those pitas, and dig in!