If you’re ready to transform weeknight dinner into a Mediterranean mini-feast, let me introduce you to Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls! This colorful bowl is packed with juicy baked chicken, crispy falafel, heaps of fresh veggies, a fluffy bed of quinoa or rice, and, best of all, swoops of creamy hummus and tangy tzatziki. It’s balanced, vibrant, and ridiculously satisfying — just the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magic about Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls is how basic pantry staples and punchy add-ins come together for a bowl bursting with flavor and goodness. Every ingredient plays a starring role, from texture to color to Mediterranean zing.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the spices.
- Olive oil: A good drizzle helps seasonings cling to the chicken and adds rich flavor to every bite.
- Ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice infuses the chicken with Middle Eastern flair.
- Paprika: Adds a pop of smokiness and gorgeous color to the seasoned chicken.
- Garlic powder: For a savory backbone and irresistible aroma.
- Salt: Enhanced flavor in every component — no bland bites here!
- Black pepper: A pinch brings gentle heat and depth.
- Falafel balls: Baked or store-bought, they deliver crunch, plant protein, and classic falafel flavor.
- Quinoa or rice: Choose your favorite for a fluffy, nutritious grain base — both work beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant red color brighten up the bowls.
- Cucumber: Cool, crunchy and refreshing for a perfect veggie contrast.
- Red onion: Thin slices add sharpness and a pop of purple color.
- Hummus: Creamy, protein-packed and packed with chickpea goodness — so dreamy mixed into every bite.
- Tzatziki sauce: Tangy, herby, and cooling, it’s the ultimate drizzle (store-bought or homemade).
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for briny, creamy-salty finish.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkle for fresh, herbaceous flair and a burst of green.
- Lemon wedges: Serve on the side to squeeze bright citrusy flavor over your finished bowl.
How to Make Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Start strong by tossing the chicken strips with olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. This spice mix is where all that warm, savory aroma comes from — it’s seriously what makes each bite sing “Mediterranean!” Toss until the chicken is well coated and glistening.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking. Pop them in a 400°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until they’re golden on the edges and cooked through. The smell will let you know when it’s ready to go!
Step 3: Warm the Falafel Balls
If using store-bought falafel, quickly heat them in the oven or microwave as directed. Homemade falafel? Even better! Just be sure they’re nicely warmed so they’re crisp outside and tender inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Base and Chop the Veggies
While the chicken bakes, use the time to cook your quinoa or rice (if it’s not already done) and get those vegetables ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice that red onion for a rainbow of color and crunch.
Step 5: Assemble Your Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls
This is the fun, customizable part! Divide the grain base between four big bowls. Top each one with a nest of chicken strips, arrange chunky falafel, scatter on tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and then dollop with hummus and a spoonful of tzatziki. Sprinkle crumbled feta, shower on chopped parsley, and tuck in a lemon wedge for that final fresh squeeze.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls
Garnishes
For a bowl that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh parsley and crumbled feta over the top. Lemon wedges served on the side let everyone add a spritz of brightness just before digging in, bringing all those flavors to life. A light drizzle of extra olive oil is also lovely for an extra gloss.
Side Dishes
While Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls can absolutely stand on their own, they pair perfectly with fluffy pita bread or a warm, soft flatbread for dipping in any leftover hummus and tzatziki. If you’re looking to round things out, try a simple Greek salad, crispy roasted potatoes, or even some marinated olives on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Let everyone build their own bowl like a Mediterranean bar — just set out all the toppings in little dishes and let each person customize. Or, go family-style and layer everything on a big platter for a colorful, shareable centerpiece. Even packed in mason jars, Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls make for a dazzling grab-and-go lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep everything fresh, store the chicken, falafel, grain, chopped veggies, and sauces in separate containers in the fridge. This way, nothing gets soggy, and you can mix and match for future meals. Everything keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.
Freezing
The seasoned, cooked chicken freezes wonderfully for up to three months in an airtight container. You can also freeze falafel separately once baked. Grains like rice and quinoa freeze well, too. Just be sure to keep sauces and veggies fresh in the fridge — dairy-based tzatziki doesn’t freeze as nicely.
Reheating
Reheat chicken and falafel in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisped; a minute or two in the microwave works for when you’re in a hurry. Quinoa or rice can be refreshed with a splash of water in the microwave. Add cold veggies, hummus, and tzatziki after everything has been warmed to keep things vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls with store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or slice it, toss with a little of the spice blend if you like, and warm gently before building your bowls.
Are Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls gluten-free?
Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, especially if you use rice or quinoa. Be sure your falafel and sauces are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
What’s the best way to make these bowls vegetarian?
Simply skip the chicken and double up on the falafel and veggies. Or try marinated baked tofu for a protein-packed, meatless alternative that keeps all the Mediterranean flavors.
Can I meal prep Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls for lunches?
Yes! These bowls were made for meal prep. Portion the grains, chicken, and falafel into containers, and keep veggies and sauces in separate small cups or containers to maintain freshness. Assemble just before eating for the best texture.
What’s a good substitute for quinoa or rice?
You can use couscous, cauliflower rice, or even a big handful of leafy greens as your base for a lighter or grain-free option. Each lends a unique texture and flavor to your Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, colorful, and guaranteed to please, these Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls absolutely deliver. With so many textures and fresh flavors, there’s never a dull bite. I hope you’ll give them a try and make them your new weeknight favorite — I can’t wait for you to dig in!
Print
Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These easy chicken falafel bowls are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring flavorful baked chicken, crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and creamy sauces served over a bed of quinoa. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 8 small falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup hummus
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden.
- While the chicken cooks, warm the falafel according to package directions if using store-bought. Prepare the quinoa or rice and chop all veggies.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the quinoa or rice among four bowls. Top each with chicken, falafel, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, a dollop of hummus, and a spoonful of tzatziki. Sprinkle with feta cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa with couscous or greens for a lighter option.
- Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- This bowl is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
