If you’re craving something wholesome but utterly crave-worthy, these Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are about to become your new weeknight staple. Packed with zesty marinated chicken, chewy farro, vibrant veggies, and a drizzle of creamy homemade tzatziki, each bite is a mini Mediterranean getaway—without ever leaving your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Every bowl layers bright lemony chicken, creamy tzatziki, and the nutty bite of farro for unforgettable flavor and texture in every forkful.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls hold up beautifully in the fridge, making them perfect for prepping lunches or easy dinners all week long.
- Customizable For All: Swap veggies, adjust toppings, or keep it dairy-free—this recipe flexes effortlessly to your tastes and needs.
- Good-For-You Ingredients: Every bite is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and plenty of fresh veggies for a meal that leaves you satisfied, not sluggish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls recipe calls for only a handful of fresh, flavor-packed staples. Each ingredient is picked not only for taste, but to create a symphony of colors and textures that almost guarantee second helpings.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and the perfect canvas for our lively marinade—feel free to use thighs for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: Rich and fruity, this anchors the marinade and gives the chicken a golden sear.
- Lemon zest & juice: Adds brightness and zing—use fresh lemon for the most vivid flavor.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Freshly grated garlic infuses the chicken and tzatziki with true Mediterranean spirit.
- Dried oregano: The herbaceous backbone of Greek cuisine—earthy and aromatic.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for drawing out every flavor.
- Farro: This ancient grain cooks plump and chewy, offering a nutty boost and hearty base for your bowls.
- Chicken or vegetable stock: (Instead of water) Optional, but adds extra savory notes to the farro.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet—choose colorful ones for added visual fun.
- Seedless cucumber: Offers crunch and coolness—a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and grain.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny intensity is unbeatable here—slice or leave whole depending on preference.
- Red onion: Sliced thin for gentle bite and gorgeous color.
- Tzatziki sauce: Homemade for freshness, combining cucumber, garlic, yogurt, dill, and lemon—makes every spoonful creamy and tangy.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, tangy pop.
- Lemon wedges: A final squeeze for sparkle just before eating.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to add your own spin to these bowls! Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are practically begging to be customized—swap in your favorite veggies, experiment with proteins, or tweak the sauce for a meal that fits your life and your cravings.
- Go Vegetarian: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubes of grilled halloumi for a plant-based twist.
- Swap the Grain: Not a farro fan? Try quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free option.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut yogurt and skip the feta to make your Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls dairy-free, without losing creaminess or flavor.
- Get Saucy: Add a dollop of hummus or a drizzle of tahini for extra richness alongside or instead of the tzatziki.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken breasts, olive oil, fresh lemon zest and juice, grated garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Massage everything together, then let the chicken soak up all those tangy, herby flavors in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. If you can, marinate for 4 hours or overnight—the longer, the tastier!
Step 2: Cook the Farro
Give your farro a quick rinse, then add it to a saucepan with water (or stock for extra depth) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a steady simmer, and cook for about 30 minutes until the farro is plump and pleasantly chewy. Drain any excess liquid and fluff with a fork.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken into the hot pan (discard any leftover marinade) and cook undisturbed for 7 minutes. Flip, then cook another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is deeply golden and reaches 165°F inside. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Tzatziki
Grate your cucumber over a double layer of paper towels, then squeeze out as much water as you can—the drier, the creamier your sauce. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, grated garlic, plain yogurt, salt, lemon juice, and dried dill. Give it a good stir, taste, and chill until you’re ready to serve.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Now for the fun part! Start with a hearty scoop of farro in each bowl. Layer on your sliced chicken, sprinkle with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. Top generously with tzatziki, a crumble of feta, and finish each bowl with a lemon wedge. Every bowl is a mosaic of color and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls
- Marinade Magic: For the boldest flavor, marinate your chicken overnight—don’t rush this step if you have the time!
- Farro Texture: Taste the farro at about 25 minutes; you want it chewy but not tough. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand or type.
- Juicy Chicken Every Time: Let your cooked chicken rest before slicing—this seals in the juices and keeps every bite irresistibly tender.
- Crisp, Not Runny, Tzatziki: Always squeeze your grated cucumber well; excess moisture can make the sauce watery instead of creamy.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta, a handful of fresh dill, or a generous grind of black pepper to finish off your Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls. Lemon wedges tucked on the side let everyone add zesty brightness to their own taste—don’t underestimate that final squeeze!
Side Dishes
These bowls are a complete meal on their own, but if you want to round things out, serve with warm pita bread, a simple arugula salad, or even a mezze platter with extra olives, hummus, and roasted peppers. Each brings a new layer of Mediterranean flavor to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Try arranging all the bowl components platter-style and let guests build their own. Layer the ingredients in jars for eye-catching, portable lunches. Or serve family-style, with everything in big colorful bowls, inviting everyone to dig in just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the tzatziki separate if possible—this prevents the other ingredients from getting soggy and keeps everything fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and farro separately for up to 2 months. Allow both to cool completely, then store in freezer-friendly containers. The veggies and tzatziki are best enjoyed fresh, so add those just before serving if you’re making ahead.
Reheating
Warm the chicken and farro in the microwave (covered, with a splash of water) or on the stovetop over low heat. Once warm, rebuild your bowls with fresh veggies, tzatziki, and feta for a meal that tastes just as good as day one.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and work beautifully in Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a minute or two longer to cook through.
-
Is there a substitute for farro if I need a gluten-free option?
Definitely! Quinoa makes a wonderful gluten-free substitute for farro in these bowls, and cooks up even quicker without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
-
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept tightly covered in the fridge. In fact, the flavors deepen and meld as it sits, so it’s even better the next day!
-
How do I keep the veggies crisp in meal prep bowls?
For the freshest textures, store veggies separately from the warm elements and add them just before eating. If packing for lunch, keep tzatziki in its own container and assemble your bowl right before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste these Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls—they’re a riot of color, flavor, and nutrition, all in one dish. Whether it’s your first bowl (of many!) or a new addition to your regular rotation, this recipe promises a feel-good meal you’ll turn to again and again. Happy cooking!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are a delightful blend of marinated chicken, hearty farro, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
The Marinated chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, more for cooking
- 1 lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The farro:
- 1 cup farro
- 3 cups water or stock
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Bowls:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 seedless cucumber, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- Tzatziki sauce
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large zip bag, combine chicken breasts, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook the farro: Rinse farro, cook in salted water or stock for 30 minutes until tender. Drain excess water.
- Cook the chicken: Sear marinated chicken in a skillet until cooked through. Rest, then slice.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Grate cucumber, squeeze out moisture, combine with garlic, yogurt, salt, lemon juice, and dill. Refrigerate.
- Assemble: Layer farro, chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, tzatziki sauce, and feta in bowls. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
- Adjust seasoning in the tzatziki sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to customize the bowl toppings with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
