Grilled chicken is a staple in many diets, but sometimes it needs a flavorful twist. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Kabob Bowls with Cucumber Salad and Tzatziki over onion rice offers a delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Why Not Kabob tonight?
Marinating the Chicken: The Key to Flavor
The secret to flavorful chicken kabobs lies in the marinade. This recipe uses a simple yet effective combination of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The acidity of the lemon juice helps tenderize the chicken, while the olive oil keeps it moist. The herbs and spices add a depth of flavor that infuses the chicken as it marinates. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 3 hours for maximum flavor.
Building Flavor with Onion Rice
While the chicken marinates, prepare the onion rice. Sautéing chopped onions in oil before adding the rice infuses the grains with a subtle sweetness and aroma. Using consumme powder or a bouillon cube adds a savory depth to the rice, making it a perfect complement to the flavorful chicken and refreshing salads. Remember to let the rice steam for 10 minutes after simmering to ensure it’s perfectly fluffy.
The Cooling Duo: Tzatziki and Cucumber Salad
Tzatziki, a classic Greek yogurt sauce with grated cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic, provides a cool and creamy counterpoint to the savory chicken. This recipe simplifies the process by eliminating the need to salt and drain the cucumbers, relying on the thickness of full-fat Greek yogurt for a perfect consistency. The Cucumber Salad, with its thin slices of cucumber, red onion, and dill, adds another layer of refreshing flavor and satisfying crunch.
Grilling the Chicken: Achieving Perfection
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Grill the kabobs over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or large non-stick skillet will work just as well. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Assembling the Bowls: A Feast for the Senses
Once the chicken is cooked, the rice is fluffy, and the sauces and salad are prepared, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Spoon a generous portion of onion rice into each bowl, top with grilled chicken kabobs, and add a dollop of tzatziki and a serving of cucumber salad. The combination of flavors and textures – savory chicken, fluffy rice, creamy tzatziki, and crisp cucumber salad – creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Why Not Kabob? A Versatile and Delicious Choice
This Grilled Chicken Kabob Bowl recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Add different vegetables to the skewers, experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, or try other grains like quinoa or couscous instead of rice. Why not kabob? It’s a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Grilling Alternatives for Chicken Kabobs
If grilling isn’t an option, don’t worry! You can achieve similar results using a grill pan or a large non-stick skillet on the stovetop. Simply heat the pan over medium heat and cook the kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
