Get ready to brighten up your next meal with the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce! This vibrant bowl brings the best of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen: perfectly seasoned chicken, wedges of crisp pita, fresh veggies, and a crave-worthy spicy feta sauce that pulls everything together. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for your tastebuds, this is the one that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create magic, and each component in this recipe adds something unique. From bold spices and fresh produce to a creamy, zesty sauce, here’s what you need for the ultimate Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce experience!
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—the perfect lean protein base that soaks up all those spirited spices.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and beautiful Mediterranean depth to both the chicken and the bowl’s base.
- Garlic cloves: Brings an unmistakable aroma and punchy flavor that elevates everything.
- Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that gives the chicken its herby backbone.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the chicken and the feta sauce with a sunny tang.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t skip these—they help balance and amplify all the flavors.
- Basmati or brown rice: The heartier foundation that makes the bowl extra satisfying.
- Pita bread: Lightly toasted and cut into wedges, it’s perfect for scooping up every last bit.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and the star of that unforgettable spicy sauce.
- Greek yogurt: Keeps the sauce silky and slightly tangy, balancing the feta’s punch.
- Red pepper flakes: Dial up the heat to your liking—spicy enough to notice, not too fiery.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of freshness to every bite.
- Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and totally essential for texture.
- Red onion: Thin slices add color, crunch, and just the right bit of zing.
- Kalamata olives: Briny and bold—a Mediterranean signature touch.
- Fresh parsley: Freshly chopped parsley sprinkles life and herbaceous flavor over the finished bowl.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken along with garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper, then sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken turns beautifully golden and is completely cooked through. The fragrant aroma will tell you you’re on the right track!
Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Base
While the chicken cooks, gently warm up your cooked basmati or brown rice in a separate pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This gives the rice a little shine and a subtle flavor boost. Meanwhile, toast your pita wedges until they’re lightly crisp; either a couple quick turns in a dry skillet or a few minutes in the oven will do the trick.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Feta Sauce
Now for the real flavor hero! In a small bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is creamy, tangy, and dotted with spicy flecks. It should be smooth enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling to all the goodies in your Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
It’s assembly time! Scoop a generous helping of rice into each bowl, then top with golden-brown chicken. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and your crispy pita wedges on top. The colors and textures are already mouthwatering!
Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Parsley
Ladle on that spicy feta sauce—go as light or as generous as you want. Finally, sprinkle over plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herby finish. Grab a fork (or a pita wedge) and dig in!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce
Garnishes
To make your Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce extra special, don’t hold back on garnishes! A final shower of fresh parsley lifts the whole dish, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra feta, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon right before serving. These small touches take your bowl from great to unforgettable!
Side Dishes
You won’t need much alongside this meal, but a side of classic hummus, some marinated artichokes, or a quick Greek salad would all sit happily next to this bowl. If you’re entertaining, add a small mezze platter of olives, cheeses, and vegetable sticks for sharing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce deconstructed, with the toppings set out buffet-style so everyone can build their own. Or, serve everything in a large, shallow platter for dramatic family-style presentation. Mini versions in small bowls or glasses make perfect appetizers at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each element separately to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Keep the chicken, rice, chopped veggies, and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the flavors stay lively and the veggies retain their crunch.
Freezing
While most of the ingredients are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice together. Cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Hold off on freezing the veggies, pita, and feta sauce, as their textures won’t be as lovely after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, just microwave the chicken and rice (covered) in short bursts until warm, or gently reheat them on the stove. Add the fresh toppings, pita, and spicy feta sauce after warming for the most mouthwatering results. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, thin it with a little lemon juice or olive oil.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and work wonderfully in the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time and slice or dice before serving.
What if I want to make this vegetarian?
Substitute chickpeas, falafel, or grilled halloumi for the chicken. You’ll still get all that Mediterranean flair and the sauce is already vegetarian-friendly!
How spicy is the feta sauce?
The heat is gentle but noticeable. If you like things mild, start with less red pepper and adjust to taste. If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch more or even a dash of hot sauce!
Can I prep this bowl ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Make the chicken, rice, and sauce ahead of time, and chop your veggies in advance. Assemble just before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pita or skip the pita entirely. Everything else in the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning a colorful weeknight dinner, you’ll love making (and eating!) the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce. It’s a dish full of fresh flavors and so easy to customize. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to put it on repeat. Give it a spin and let this bright bowl transport you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Pita Bowl with Spicy Feta Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with this flavorful and satisfying Chicken Pita Bowl. Tender chicken seasoned with fragrant spices, served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh vegetables, olives, and a zesty Spicy Feta Sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowl Base:
- 1 cup cooked basmati or brown rice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 pita bread, toasted and cut into wedges
For the Spicy Feta Sauce:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Kalamata olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Base: Warm cooked rice with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toast pita wedges in a dry skillet or oven until lightly crisp.
- Make the Spicy Feta Sauce: In a small bowl, mix crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowl: Add rice to the bowl, top with cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and pita wedges.
- Finish: Drizzle spicy feta sauce generously over the bowl and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
