Lemon Chili Grilled Chicken Bowls
A refreshing and flavorful bowl featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh cucumber salad, and creamy hummus.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced (or whole if you prefer grilling before cutting)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil rich and fragrant
- 2 cloves garlic, minced offering a punch of earthy aroma
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for a hint of sweetness and color
- 1 tablespoon honey providing a delicate balance of flavor
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes bringing a zesty kick
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightening the dish
- Salt and black pepper to taste for seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped as a vibrant garnish
For the Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup diced cucumber refreshingly crisp
- ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper adding a pop of color
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice enhancing freshness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil enriching the salad
- Salt to taste to elevate flavors
For the Bowl Base
- ½ cup hummus (homemade or store-bought) creamy and satisfying
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for a touch of richness
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder adding a hint of depth
Instructions
Preparation
- Dice the chicken (you may keep the breasts whole for grilling), mince the garlic, and prepare the cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.
Marination
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, coating them fully in the marinade.
- Allow it to sit for 20-30 minutes for a quick soak, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If grilling whole breasts, cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For diced chicken, place it in a grill basket for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or thread marinated pieces onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until charred.
Cucumber Salad Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, chopped cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss the mixture to let flavors mingle.
Hummus Base Preparation
- Take a scoop of hummus and spread it in the bottom of your serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika or chili powder for flavor.
Assembly
- Place the grilled lemon-chili chicken over the hummus, top with cucumber salad, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving
- Enjoy the dish immediately, or serve with warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Be generous with the marinade for flavor and avoid overcooking the chicken. You can substitute traditional hummus with a cauliflower version or swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for variations.