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Mediterranean Meal Prep Bowls with Chicken

Simplify your lunches with these flavorful and healthy Mediterranean meal prep bowls featuring tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for making ahead!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 medium lemons juiced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Kosher pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa uncooked
  • 4 medium chicken breasts boneless and skinless, 32-ounces
  • 1 medium English cucumber diced
  • 4 Roma tomatoes chopped
  • 1 medium red onion diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 cup kalamata olives pitted

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Small jar
  • grill pan or outdoor grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Meal prep containers

Method
 

Cook the Quinoa
  1. Add 1 ½ cups quinoa to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt. Place over medium heat and allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender. Drain if needed, then set aside and allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the Dressing/Marinade
  1. To a small jar, add all dressing/marinade ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ tablespoon lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, kosher salt, and kosher pepper. Stir vigorously to emulsify.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Pour about 1/3 of the marinade over the 4 medium chicken breasts in a bowl or resealable bag and toss to completely coat. Reserve the remaining 2/3 of the dressing for serving, ensuring it does not come into contact with the raw chicken.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reads 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Once the quinoa has cooled, divide it evenly among 4 meal prep containers or bowls. Slice or dice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the quinoa. Top each bowl with the diced English cucumber, chopped Roma tomatoes, and diced red onion. Portion the crumbled feta cheese and pitted Kalamata olives into each bowl. Finally, drizzle generously with the reserved lemon-herb dressing.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, for maximum flavor. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow all components to cool completely before assembling to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy. Store assembled bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.