Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
This Mediterranean Buddha bowl with chicken offers a delicious medley of bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors made with healthy, simple ingredients! It’s low in carbs and high in protein and fiber thanks to Kaizen lupin rice which boasts 20 grams of protein per serving, all on its own.
Easy Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
I love a good power bowl that uses fresh ingredients and flavors, and my Mediterranean twist on this healthy dish takes it to the next level.
The marinade for the chicken is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is served on a bed of my low-carb, high-protein Kaizen rice with some leafy arugula. For toppings, I used cherry tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and for an extra delicious, cheesy element, I added pan-fried halloumi cheese. The finishing touch? A creamy, tangy sauce drizzled on top.
If you’re looking for a healthy meal that’ll satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full for hours, this Mediterranean Buddha bowl is IT. It’s perfect for any meal and ideal for meal prep since everything can be made quickly and easily ahead of time. So get ready to fuel up and enjoy every bite in the process!
Why You’ll Love It
- The Mediterranean flavors shine and make for a delicious meal.
- Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients to fit your personal taste (and what you currently have in your fridge!).
- Low in carbs and high in protein and fiber — perfect for a low-carb/keto diet.
Made with Nutritious Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: You’re welcome to use your favorite cut of chicken in this recipe.
- Greek Yogurt: The base for the chicken marinade, Greek yogurt adds a tangy, creamy element.
- Sumac: A delicious blend of spices that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Kaizen Low-Carb Rice: An excellent low-carb rice that doesn’t sacrifice taste for nutrition.
- Baby Arugula: A leafy green with a lot of texture and subtle peppery flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor to this dish.
- Jalapeños: Gives this Buddha bowl a kick of heat!
- Halloumi Cheese (optional): A salty cheese that’ll take this bowl to the next level.
- Mayonnaise: The base of the Buddha bowl dressing.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds flavor and texture to the dressing.
- White vinegar: White vinegar adds acidity to the dressing for maximum flavor.
Why Kaizen Low-Carb Rice?
Ditch the high-carb white or brown rice and pass on the bland riced cauliflower with my Kaizen Low-Carb Rice! Kaizen rice is a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional rice, with lupin flour as the main ingredient.
Lupin flour is made from lupini beans, an ancient superfood that boasts incredible macros and nutritional benefits. With 20 grams of protein per 2-ounce serving and only 6 grams of net carbs, Kaizen low-carb rice is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite dishes without all the added carbs.
Not only is this rice high in protein and fiber, but it’s also gluten-free, grain-free, and completely plant-based. Kaizen Rice offers a texture and flavor that other low-carb options just can’t match, making it an ideal addition to your pantry.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken: Choose your favorite lean protein — chicken breast or chicken thighs. If using chicken thighs, opt for boneless and skinless pieces to ensure they cook quickly.
Rice: Regular rice, cooked quinoa, or cauliflower rice would work well, too.
Arugula: Swap out the arugula with your favorite leafy greens. Spinach, kale, romaine, chard, or collard greens would taste great.
Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Sweet potatoes, red onions, roasted chickpeas, red bell peppers, and kalamata olives are some tasty ideas.
Sauce: Switch out the creamy yogurt sauce with a delicious tahini dressing, or any of my other sauces like Mast O Khiar or Mutabal (eggplant dip).
How to Make a Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
STEP 1 – MARINATE CHICKEN
Place the chicken in a bowl. In a small food processor, add the onion, garlic, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, sumac, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Process until it is well blended.
Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the chicken and massage it into the chicken. Cover the bowl and marinate for 2-6 hours.
STEP 2 – COOK CHICKEN
When you’re ready to make the chicken, you can cook it on the stovetop, in the air fryer, or oven. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil.
Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes or until done, flipping halfway through.
STEP 3 – COOK RICE
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Prepare the Kaizen rice according to the package directions. Drain.
STEP 4 – ASSEMBLE
Spoon the Kaizen rice into the serving bowl. Assemble the arugula and tomatoes on top, then add the chicken and jalapeños.
STEP 5 – FRY HALLOUMI (OPTIONAL)
Pan-fry two slices of halloumi cheese in a medium skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until the sides are golden brown.
Top the rice bowl with the halloumi cheese (you can also substitute for fresh feta cheese).
STEP 6 – MAKE SAUCE
Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.
Drizzle the sauce on top of the rice bowl and serve.
ENJOY!
Storage
Store any leftover ingredients of your Mediterranean Buddha bowl separately in an airtight sealed container for up to three days.
To reheat: Only reheat the chicken, rice, and halloumi. This can be done in the microwave or over the stove until warmed through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- TikTok Salmon Bowl
- Baked Mediterranean Cod
- Low-Carb Sushi Wraps
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (Salad Shirazi)
- Mutabal Recipe (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)
Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
If you're looking for a healthy meal that'll satisfy your tastebuds and keep you full for hours, this Mediterranean Buddha bowl is IT. It's perfect for any meal and ideal for meal prep since everything can be made quickly and easily ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 handful fresh parsley
- 1 handful fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- a couples pinches salt, divided
- cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2-4 ounces Kaizen low-carb rice
- 1 handful of baby arugula
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- sliced jalapeños, to taste
- halloumi cheese (optional)
- Peppery white sauce ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl. In a small food processor, add the onion, garlic, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, sumac, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Process until it is well blended. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the chicken and massage it into the chicken. Cover the bowl and marinate for 2-6 hours.
- When you're ready to make the chicken, you can cook it on the stovetop, in the air fryer, or oven. If cooking on the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes or until done, flipping halfway through.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Prepare the Kaizen rice according to package directions. Drain.
- Spoon the Kaizen rice into the serving bowl. Assemble the arugula and tomatoes on top, then add the chicken and jalapeños.
- Optional step: Pan-fry two slices of halloumi cheese in a medium skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until the sides are golden brown. Top the rice bowl with the halloumi cheese (you can also substitute for fresh feta cheese).
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred. Drizzle the sauce on top of the rice bowl and serve.
Notes
Store any leftover ingredients of your Mediterranean Buddha bowl separately in an airtight sealed container for up to three days.
To reheat: Only reheat the chicken, rice, and halloumi. This can be done in the microwave or over the stove until warmed through.
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