Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful rice bowl featuring succulent grilled chicken tawook skewers, aromatic basmati rice pilaf, and a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. This dish is complemented by creamy hummus and warm pita bread, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Balanced: The combination of marinated grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and fresh salad offers a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, wholesome grains, and fresh vegetables, this meal is both delicious and nourishing.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the components to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare the elements in advance for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Tawook Skewers:
- Chicken breast
- Full-fat Greek yogurt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Tomato paste
- Paprika
- Kosher salt
- Dried oregano or thyme
- Fresh cracked pepper
For the Rice Pilaf:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Medium yellow or white onion, chopped
- Basmati rice
- Chicken broth
- Kosher salt
For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
- Large cucumber, chopped
- Roma tomatoes or large beefsteak tomatoes, chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Loosely packed mint or parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Additional Components:
- Naan or pita bread for serving
- Hummus for serving
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Tawook Skewers:
- Chop the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, salt, dried oregano or thyme, and fresh cracked pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Rice Pilaf:
- In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add basmati rice and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in chicken broth and add kosher salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to the lowest simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Prepare the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine chopped cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil, chopped mint or parsley, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
- Assemble the Mediterranean Rice Bowls:
- Divide the rice pilaf among four bowls.
- Top each with grilled chicken tawook skewers and a portion of the cucumber and tomato salad.
- Add a generous dollop of hummus to each bowl.
- Serve with warm naan or pita bread on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour (excluding marination time).
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes, plus marination.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Grain Options: Replace basmati rice with quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Additional Toppings: Enhance the bowl with olives, feta cheese, or pickled vegetables for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The salad is best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
1. What is Chicken Tawook?
Chicken tawook is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken skewers, known for their
Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers
- Total Time: : 1 hour 30 minutes (plus marination)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Chicken Tawook Rice Bowl! Featuring grilled chicken skewers, aromatic rice pilaf, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, creamy hummus, and warm pita, this balanced dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tawook Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- For the Rice Pilaf:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- For the Cucumber & Tomato Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh mint or parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- Additional Components:
- 4 naan or pita bread
- 1 cup hummus
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Tawook Skewers:
- Mix yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, salt, oregano, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in marinade, refrigerate for 1-24 hours.
- Grill on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Cook Rice Pilaf:
- Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
- Add rice, cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth and salt, bring to a boil.
- Cover, simmer for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare Salad:
- Toss cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil, mint, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide rice into bowls.
- Add chicken skewers, salad, and hummus.
- Serve with warm naan or pita bread.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust salad seasoning and toppings to your taste.
- Prep Time: 1 hour (excluding marination)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
