Showing posts with label artichoke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label artichoke. Show all posts

Friday, February 21, 2025

Healthy & Hearty: Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls

Wholesome Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls – A Flavorful & Easy Meal for Any Night!



 


Healthy & Hearty: Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls



If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner, these Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect choice! Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is inspired by the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy and nutrient-rich ingredients. With juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and tender chicken over a bed of wholesome brown and wild rice, every bite bursts with flavor. Best of all, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights!

One of the best things about this recipe is how effortless it is to prepare. The chicken breasts are pan-seared for a golden crust, then finished in the oven while the tomatoes cook down into a sweet and savory topping. A drizzle of Greek vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a bright and tangy touch. With simple ingredients you may already have on hand, this dish is an easy way to bring Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen without any hassle.

Inspired by Greek flavors, this dish is loaded with zesty herbs, fresh ingredients, and bold Mediterranean taste. The juicy chicken, roasted vegetables, and flavorful vinaigrette come together in the most satisfying way. It’s a meal the whole family will love, whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner at home or meal-prepping for the week. Plus, it tastes absolutely amazing!

Enjoy!







What Ingredients do I need?

Protein

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains

  • Brown and wild rice blend

Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Marinated quartered artichoke hearts

Condiments & Pantry Staples

  • Greek vinaigrette
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper





Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Protein:  Chicken breasts → Boneless chicken thighs, turkey cutlets
  • Grains:  Brown and wild rice blend → Quinoa, couscous, farro, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
  • Cherry tomatoes Diced Roma or grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes (for a more intense flavor)
  • Marinated artichoke hearts Canned artichoke hearts (unmarinated)
  • Condiments :  Greek vinaigrette → Homemade vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano)

Variations

  • Greek Power Bowl:  Swap the rice for quinoa or farro for added protein and a nutty texture.  Add crumbled feta cheese and a dollop of tzatziki for extra Greek flavor.  Toss in sliced Kalamata olives for a briny kick.
  •  Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly Version:  Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or chopped romaine lettuce for a grain-free option.  Use grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers instead of cherry tomatoes for a heartier veggie base.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl:  Swap the chicken for chickpeas, white beans, or grilled halloumi cheese for a meatless version.  Drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing instead of Greek vinaigrette for a creamy, tangy twist.



Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Sear First for Juicy Chicken – Browning the chicken before finishing it in the oven locks in moisture and adds a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the oven at 165°F  for perfectly tender chicken. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

  • Charred Tomatoes = Extra Flavor – Let the cherry tomatoes blister in the pan without stirring too much. This helps intensify their natural sweetness

  • Marinated Artichokes Add DepthThe tangy, briny flavor of jarred marinated artichokes elevates the dish—drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
  • Leftovers? No Problem! – Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Add fresh dressing and toppings before serving.



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Healthy & Hearty: Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowls



serves 4


2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
salt & pepper
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 6oz jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1/2 cup Greek vinaigrette
2 cups hot cooked brown and wild rice blend

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large oven ready skillet, add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.  Season chicken with salt & pepper and add to the skillet, cooking for 4 minutes until the bottoms are brown.  Turn chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven and bake about 6-7 minutes more or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.  Remove from the oven and allow to rest on a cutting board.

Meanwhile, in another skillet heat the remaining olive oil (1 Tbsp) over medium-high heat.  Add the tomatoes and cook until they begin to char and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.  Remove from heat and add in the artichoke hearts and 1/4 cup of the Greek vinaigrette.  Stir to combine.

Slice chicken breasts.  Divide rice, chicken, and tomato mixture among the bowls.  Drizzle with remaining Greek vinaigrette.  Serve.



















Sunday, October 23, 2016

Mediterranean Chicken Salad






I get the pleasure of working from home a couple of days during the week, which allows me to play around with different dishes for lunch.


The other day we were at Panera for a quick lunch and I was so tempted to have their Chicken Salad Sandwich, which I just love.  I got a hold of myself an opted for something a little healthier, ending up with a half a turkey sandwich and soup.  But....let me tell you that chicken salad was still calling my name.



Up comes my work from home day, and with the chicken salad still on my mind I decided to make a healthier version, without all the mayo.  The previous night I had roasted 5 chicken breasts using this recipe here.  My intention was for us to eat two that night with mashed potatoes and veggies and then use the remaining one in various dishes.  I just love roasted chicken, and this recipe is simple...but it the BEST.


Mediterranean Chicken Salad

So, using some of the roasted chicken I whipped up a Mediterranean Chicken Salad (without mayo) and served it over romaine lettuce.  It's filled with wonderful ingredients (mostly pantry items) such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, herbs, and is drizzled with olive oil and lemon.  Heaven! 



The zip of the lemon, tang of the artichoke, along with the chicken, and earthy roasted red peppers give this dish such a balance.  If you like olives, throw them in there too!  They would enhance this dish nicely.  This isn't a sweet chicken salad, but a few golden raisins would be fabulous as well.

A quick and easy meal is yours within 15 minutes!

Enjoy!



Related Recipe:





Mediterranean Chicken Salad

serves 4

3/4 cup roasted chicken, chopped into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
1/3 cup roasted red pepper, chopped (from a jar)
3 Tbls fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbls fresh basil, chopped 
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
4 large Romaine lettuce leaves

To a medium bowl add all ingredients.  Stir to combine.  Serve over lettuce and serve. 

Note:  Chicken salad may be kept in the refrigerator until serving.  Any remaining will keep in a covered container for several days.





Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Artichoke and White Bean Salad


Artichoke and White Bean Salad: A light and refreshing salad with flavors that POP!  Perfect for a potluck or summer alfresco dinner.  Slice of Southern


Summer is for salads!

During the summer I like to take some time on the weekend and make several different salads that we can munch on during the week. 

This salad with artichokes and white beans is super easy to put together and it tastes great.  The perfect side dish for any meal.  We ate this salad with a wonderful French Dip Crock Pot Sandwich I'll share with you later.  The flavors blended so well, and it's full of good for you ingredients.  

Artichoke and White Bean Salad: A light and refreshing salad with flavors that POP!  Perfect for a potluck or summer alfresco dinner.  Slice of Southern


Since salads are loved by everyone this is a great dish to bring to potlucks or serve at a late summer party.  We ate this for several days and the texture stayed together well.  It's important when you only have a few ingredients in a dish that they are quality ingredients.  Either frozen or canned artichoke hearts work well, and a good quality bean such as Bush's will hold their shape well in this salad.  What a wonderful, light, refreshing salad!!

Artichoke and White Bean Salad: A light and refreshing salad with flavors that POP!  Perfect for a potluck or summer alfresco dinner.  Slice of Southern


Enjoy!


Artichoke and White Bean Salad

serves 4

1/4 cup olive oil
2 T lemon juice
1/2 garlic clove, minced
1/2 t Dijon mustard
1/8 t red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper


1 14oz can of artichoke hearts in water, quartered
1 14oz can white beans, rinsed and drained (recommend Bush's)
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
1 T fresh oregano, chopped 


In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing with the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dressing stand for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

In a large bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, beans, onion, celery and oregano. Add the dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly. If preparing in advance cover and refrigerate salad up to 24 hours.  Take out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.



Note:  This is not a sponsored post.  Recommendation of products are my preference.



Artichoke and White Bean Salad: A light and refreshing salad with flavors that POP!  Perfect for a potluck or summer alfresco dinner.  Slice of Southern

Artichoke and White Bean Salad: A light and refreshing salad with flavors that POP!  Perfect for a potluck or summer alfresco dinner.  Slice of Southern

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