**Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls** Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that’s both nourishing and exciting, these Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls are about to become your new go-to. Imagine the bold spices of tender chicken mingling with crispy falafel, all piled high with fresh veggies, creamy hummus, and a sprinkle of feta—each bite is a little Mediterranean adventure! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a colorful dinner for friends, this dish is as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls is how each ingredient plays a starring role in the final taste. From the golden, spiced chicken to the crisp cucumbers and herby garnishes, every component adds texture, freshness, or a pop of color to create a truly satisfying meal.
- Chicken (1 pound, boneless, skinless): Use breasts or thighs cut into strips for juicy, flavorful protein that soaks up every bit of the spice marinade.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brings everything together and helps the chicken develop that irresistible golden crust.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth and classic Middle Eastern flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the seasonings and brings out the best in the chicken.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a gentle kick and a touch of sharpness.
- Lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon): Brightens up the marinade and keeps the chicken extra juicy.
- Falafel (1 cup, cooked): Use homemade or store-bought; mini falafel balls are perfect for easy assembly and a crunchy contrast.
- Rice, couscous, or quinoa (2 cups, cooked): The hearty base that holds everything together—choose your favorite grain or grain-free option.
- Cucumber (1 cup, chopped): Adds a juicy, refreshing crunch to every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): For a burst of sweetness and color.
- Lettuce or baby greens (1/2 cup, shredded): Delivers freshness and a lovely leafy texture.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Offers zingy sharpness and a beautiful pop of purple.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled, optional): Adds a creamy, salty finish—totally optional but highly recommended.
- Hummus or tahini sauce (1/4 cup, for drizzle): The silky, savory topping that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley or mint (for garnish): A bright, herby note to finish the bowls with style.
How to Make Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice in a bowl. Toss in your chicken strips and make sure each piece is well coated—this quick marinade infuses so much flavor in every bite! Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through and beautifully golden. Set the chicken aside and get ready for the next layer of goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Falafel
If you’re using store-bought or frozen falafel, simply follow the package instructions to heat them up—so easy! If you’ve got leftover or homemade falafel, shape them into bite-sized balls or little patties for maximum crunch and cuteness. The falafel is the heart of these Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls, offering that irresistible crispy texture and earthy flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Time for the fun part! Start with a generous scoop of rice, couscous, or quinoa as your base. Arrange the golden chicken strips and warm falafel on top. Then, scatter on the chopped cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp lettuce or greens, tangy red onion, and crumbled feta if you like things extra creamy. It’s like building your own little edible masterpiece.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
Bring it all together with a swirl of creamy hummus or nutty tahini sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint for that extra burst of color and freshness. Serve your Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls warm or at room temperature and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls
Garnishes
Your finishing touches can really make these bowls pop! Try a shower of fresh herbs—parsley, mint, or even a little dill—plus an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness. A sprinkle of sumac or za’atar adds a tangy, aromatic twist, or scatter some toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Side Dishes
Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls are pretty much a meal in themselves, but they love good company. Serve alongside warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad, or a bowl of marinated olives for an extra Mediterranean flair. A side of pickled vegetables or a cool yogurt dip also plays beautifully with the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try setting up a DIY bowl bar so everyone can build their own favorite combo—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike! Or, for a fun twist, serve everything wrapped in warm flatbread for a hearty, portable meal. Mini versions in small bowls or cups make for a showstopping appetizer at gatherings.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge—just keep the sauce and garnishes separate until you’re ready to eat. Store each component in its own airtight container to preserve the textures and flavors.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies are best enjoyed right away, you can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken and falafel for speedy future meals. Let them cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chicken and falafel in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through—this keeps them from getting soggy. The grains can be quickly microwaved. Assemble your bowl with fresh veggies and drizzle on sauce just before serving for that just-made freshness.
FAQs
Can I make these bowls vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and double up on the falafel or add extra roasted veggies. The base and toppings are already plant-based, making it super simple to adapt for vegetarians.
What’s the best grain base for these Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls?
Rice, couscous, and quinoa all make fantastic bases. For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice works beautifully too. Use what you love or what you have on hand—the flavors will shine either way.
Can I use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut?
Yes, you can! Shred or slice rotisserie chicken, toss it with a bit of the spice mix and lemon, and warm it up before adding to your bowls. It’s a great way to keep things extra quick on busy nights.
How do I keep the falafel crispy?
For the crispiest falafel, bake or air fry just before serving instead of microwaving. If you’re meal prepping, keep the falafel separate and reheat in the oven or air fryer so they stay crunchy when added to your bowl.
Are these bowls gluten-free?
They can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free falafel and base (like quinoa or certified gluten-free rice), and double-check your hummus or tahini ingredients if you have sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Once you try these Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls, you’ll see why they’re such a staple in my kitchen. They’re endlessly customizable, great for meal prep, and absolutely bursting with flavor and color. Give them a whirl—your taste buds (and your dinner table) will thank you!
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**Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls** Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired Easy Chicken Falafel Bowl featuring tender spiced chicken, warm falafel, fresh veggies, and a creamy hummus or tahini drizzle. Perfect for quick meal prep or a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the falafel:
- 1 cup cooked falafel (homemade or frozen and baked according to package instructions) or mini falafel balls
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby greens
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup hummus or tahini sauce (for drizzle)
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken strips and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the marinade. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare falafel: If using frozen or store-bought falafel, heat them according to the package directions until warmed through. If using homemade falafel, you can prepare a quick mix or reheat leftover falafel by shaping them into small patties or balls and cooking them in a pan or oven until crisp and warm.
- Assemble the bowls: Start by placing a base of your choice of cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa into bowls. Top the grains with the cooked chicken strips followed by warm falafel pieces. Add the fresh chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce or baby greens, thinly sliced red onions, and feta cheese if using.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the assembled bowls with hummus or tahini sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint leaves for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm, or at room temperature for a perfect ready-to-go meal.
Notes
- These bowls are ideal for meal prep—keep the sauce separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
- Swap the rice or grains for cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- For extra Mediterranean flavor, add pickled red onions or olives as additional toppings.
- If using store-bought falafel, ensure it is gluten-free if adhering to a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
