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Chicken quinoa bowl with chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and lemon yogurt
CookingPassion

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Meal Prep Bowls

Prep chicken quinoa meal prep bowls with chickpeas, crunchy vegetables, feta, and lemon yogurt. Includes cooking, packing, and reheating instructions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (170 g) dry white quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, or package-specified liquid
  • 700 g (about 1½ lb) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced, divided
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber (about 200 g), diced
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 60 g crumbled feta
  • 170 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Saucepan with a fitted lid
  • Large skillet
  • Fine-mesh sieve and four meal prep containers
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Start the quinoa. Bring the broth to a boil in the saucepan. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, cover, and lower the heat. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or follow the package. Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.
  2. Season the chicken. Toss the dry chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, oregano, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and half the garlic. Prepare the lemon and vegetables with clean utensils after setting the raw chicken aside. Keep the yogurt refrigerated while the hot components cook.
  3. Brown in batches. Heat the remaining tablespoon oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in two uncrowded batches, turning to brown several sides. Allow about 6–9 minutes per batch, checking several thick pieces for 165°F (74°C). Move cooked chicken to a clean plate.
  4. Make the cold sauce. Stir the yogurt with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, the zest, remaining garlic, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Thin with a teaspoon of water only if needed. Stir the remaining tablespoon lemon juice through the cooked chicken off the heat.
  5. Divide the components. Divide quinoa, chicken, and drained chickpeas evenly among four bowls. For immediate serving, add cucumber, tomatoes, feta, parsley, and sauce. For meal prep, refrigerate the cooked components promptly in shallow containers and pack the vegetables, cheese, and sauce separately.
  6. Reheat and finish. Reheat only the chicken, quinoa, and chickpeas until the center reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a little water to the grain. Stir midway if microwaving. Add the chilled vegetables, feta, parsley, and lemon yogurt after heating rather than microwaving them.

Notes

Makes four bowls. Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C). Store cold toppings separately. Quinoa liquid and timing may follow the package. Nutrient totals vary by brand and portion.
Refrigerate the cooked chicken, quinoa, and chickpeas for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or colder. The cucumber and tomatoes keep their best texture when prepared closer to serving.
Freeze the chicken, quinoa, and chickpeas without the fresh toppings or yogurt for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Prepare fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and sauce after thawing.