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Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe

Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 128 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 rice bowls 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken Tawook Skewers is a vibrant, nutritious meal bursting with classic Middle Eastern flavors. Tender, marinated chicken skewers are served atop fluffy turmeric rice and garnished with crisp vegetables, tangy yogurt sauce, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or easy weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and visually stunning.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Tawook Skewers

  • 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Yogurt Sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings & Assembly

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onions
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup hummus (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
  2. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken marinates, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice, turmeric, and salt; stir to coat the rice. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  3. Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped dill or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Thread & Grill the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes if using. Thread marinated chicken onto the skewers. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks and juices run clear.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the warm turmeric rice among bowls. Top each with grilled chicken tawook skewers. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled red onions, and feta (if using) around the chicken. Add a scoop of hummus if desired.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Drizzle with yogurt sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mediterranean feast!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier skewers if preferred.
  • Swap in brown rice or quinoa for a whole grain option.
  • Customize toppings with olives, roasted red peppers, or shredded lettuce.
  • This recipe can be prepped ahead and assembled when ready to eat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 rice bowl (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 98mg