Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, hearty, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like sunshine on a plate, these Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are your answer. They’re brimming with juicy marinated chicken, nutty farro, fresh vegetables, and a cooling splash of homemade tzatziki – every bite tastes like a summer holiday in the Mediterranean!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls is how the simple ingredients each bring something wonderful to the party – from sweet tomatoes to nutty farro, every bite is full of character and color. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll need and why each is essential:

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy, lean protein that soaks up all that herby, lemony marinade flavor.
• Olive Oil: Essential for marinating and cooking the chicken, and it lends luscious mouthfeel to every bite.
• Lemon Zest & Juice: Add sunny brightness and a hint of tang that screams Mediterranean.
• Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives the marinade and the tzatziki a punchy, aromatic boost.
• Dried Oregano: That classic Mediterranean herbal note that works magic with lemon and chicken.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Keep all those flavors vivid and balanced.
• Farro: This hearty whole grain is delightfully chewy, slightly nutty, and the perfect base for bowl meals.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
• Seedless Cucumber: Adds a fresh, cooling crunch both to the bowl and the tzatziki sauce.
• Kalamata Olives: For briny, salty depth that brings out all the other flavors.
• Red Onion: Brings a sharp, lovely bite and gorgeous color contrast.
• Tzatziki Sauce: (Homemade!) Bright, cool, and creamy with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
• Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of tangy, salty crumbles for that final Mediterranean flourish.
• Lemon Wedges: For squeezing over your bowl just before eating – never underestimate the power of a little extra citrus!

Variations

These Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are endlessly customizable! Feel free to play around based on what’s in your fridge, your dietary needs, or simply what you’re craving today.

• Swap the Grain: Try quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or lower-carb twist.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with extra lemon and herbs is a superstar shortcut.
• Add Extra Veggies: Roasted eggplant, zucchini, or even baby spinach are all welcome additions for even more color and nutrition.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and pile on marinated chickpeas or grilled halloumi for plant-based richness.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by letting your chicken bask in a bright, herby marinade of olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. For irresistibly flavorful results, let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if you have time, a few hours (or overnight!) makes it even better. The acidity and aromatics tenderize the chicken and infuse every bite with Mediterranean goodness.

Step 2: Cook the Farro

Give your farro a quick rinse, then simmer it in salted water or flavorful stock until it’s plump, tender, and still a little chewy—about 30 minutes. Drain any excess water, and let it cool slightly. The hearty, nutty grain holds up beautifully under all those fresh toppings.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a slick of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear your marinated chicken breasts on one side for 7 minutes before flipping to cook for another 5-7 minutes. When they’re golden-brown and just cooked through (165°F inside), transfer to a plate to rest. This keeps the chicken super juicy when you slice it.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Shred cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture (so you don’t get watery sauce!), then stir it with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and just a hint of dill. This sauce is a fresh, creamy highlight for your Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls and perfect for spooning over everything.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Build each bowl with a generous base of farro, followed by juicy slices of chicken. Then go wild topping with cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, olives, red onion, a spoonful of tzatziki, and feta crumbles. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, I always sprinkle extra crumbled feta, a scattering of fresh dill, even more lemon zest, or a pinch of sumac for a flash of color and zing. Chopped fresh parsley or mint adds a fresh, fragrant flourish as well.

Side Dishes

While these Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls are a complete meal on their own, they also shine alongside a plate of warm pita, hummus, or a simple Greek salad. For a dinner party, serve them with roasted vegetables or a platter of dolmas for something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, set up a Mediterranean bowl bar for family or guests! Lay out all the toppings separately so everyone can build their dream bowl. Or, try serving the components layered in mason jars for a fun, portable lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls keep perfectly in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the chicken, farro, veggies, and tzatziki separately for the freshest results, then assemble just before eating.

Freezing

While the farro and cooked chicken freeze beautifully (just seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months), I recommend enjoying the veggies and tzatziki fresh for the best flavor and texture. Thaw the chicken and farro overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and farro gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Add the veggies, feta, and tzatziki after everything is warmed to keep those fresh flavors and crunch intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten as I am with these Mediterranean Chicken Farro Bowls! They’re vibrant, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. Give them a try—you’ll have sunshine on your table, any day of the week.

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