Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

why make this recipe

Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious meal. This recipe combines lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavors, making it an ideal option for those on a low-carb diet. With high protein content, it supports muscle maintenance while providing healthy fats from olive oil and plenty of vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies. Plus, the bright flavors of lemon and dill make every bite refreshing and satisfying.

how to make Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

Ingredients

• 1¼ lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1½ tbsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2½ tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp oregano
• 1½ tsp basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 4 cups chopped lettuce
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (Fage preferred)
• ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp finely chopped dill

Directions

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Cook rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm.
5. Prep all vegetables: dice tomatoes, chop cucumber and lettuce, slice onion, chop parsley, and crumble feta.
6. Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill to make the tzatziki sauce.
7. Assemble bowls with warm rice, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and feta.
8. Top with cooked chicken and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
9. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers for meal prep.

how to serve Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

To serve the Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl, place the ingredients in individual bowls or plates. Start with a base of warm rice, then add a layer of fresh lettuce, followed by cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Finally, add the grilled chicken and a good scoop of tzatziki sauce to finish. This dish is colorful and appetizing, making it perfect for any meal.

how to store Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki can be kept for up to 3-5 days. If you’re meal prepping, you can also separate the cooked rice and tzatziki from the other ingredients to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice, and enjoy!

tips to make Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

• For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use a mixture of grape, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes for varied textures and tastes.
• Feel free to add or swap in other veggies, like bell peppers or avocados, to customize your bowl.
• If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade.

variation

You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. The tofu can absorb the marinade just like chicken, and chickpeas can add a hearty texture. You can also add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinade in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the vegetables and make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time.

2. What can I use instead of basmati rice?
You can use cauliflower rice for a lower carb option or quinoa for a nutritious alternative.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels of any store-bought items to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Low Carb High Protein Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowl

A nutritious and delicious bowl featuring lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon-dill flavors, perfect for a low-carb diet.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 1/4 lb 1¼ lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes Cut into cubes for even cooking.
• ⅓ cup ⅓ cup olive oil For marinating and added flavor.
• 1 1/2 tbsp 1½ tbsp lemon zest Fresh lemon zest preferred.
• 3 tbsp 3 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
• 2 1/2 tbsp 2½ tbsp honey For sweetness; can be adjusted to taste.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp 1½ tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp 1½ tsp basil
• 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ¼ tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp ½ tsp red pepper flakes Increase for more heat.

For the Bowl

• 2 cups 2 cups basmati rice Cook according to package directions.
• 2 cups 2 cups diced tomatoes Fresh or canned.
• 2 cups 2 cups chopped cucumber
• 4 cups 4 cups chopped lettuce Any variety of your choice.
• 1 cup 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup 1 cup crumbled feta For topping.
• 1/4 cup ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For garnish.

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup 1 cup Greek yogurt (Fage preferred) Adds creaminess.
• 1/2 cup ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry To reduce water content.
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp finely chopped dill For fresh flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Prep all vegetables: dice tomatoes, chop cucumber and lettuce, slice onion, chop parsley, and crumble feta.
4. Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and dill to make the tzatziki sauce.

Cooking

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
2. Cook rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm.

Assembly

1. Assemble bowls with warm rice, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and feta.
2. Top with cooked chicken and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use a mixture of grape, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes for varied textures and tastes. Feel free to add or swap in other veggies, like bell peppers or avocados, to customize your bowl. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade.