Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers

Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers: A Flavorful Feast

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further than this vibrant rice bowl! Tender, marinated chicken skewers (tawook) take center stage over fluffy rice, surrounded by a symphony of fresh and flavorful toppings. Creamy hummus, tangy pickled onions, and salty feta cheese create an explosion of textures and tastes in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, and the customizable toppings allow you to personalize it to your liking. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean!

Ingredients:

Chicken Tawook Skewers:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked long-grain rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup pickled red onions (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Prepare the Rice Bowl: While the chicken cooks, heat the cooked rice in a pan or microwave. Divide the rice evenly among bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Top the rice with grilled chicken skewers, feta cheese, olives, pickled onions, cucumber, and fresh parsley. Dollop a generous amount of hummus on each bowl.
6. Serve: Squeeze a lemon wedge over each bowl for a refreshing touch.

Tips:

• Chicken Alternatives: Don’t have chicken thighs? You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking time to avoid drying them out.
• Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other Mediterranean favorites like chopped tomatoes, crumbled bell peppers, or a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
• Leftovers: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan or oven.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with marinated tofu cubes or portobello mushroom caps.
• Make-Ahead Options: You can marinate the chicken and cook the rice in advance for a quicker weeknight meal prep.