Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad combines bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a satisfying, healthy meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for salad)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
- Salt to taste (for salad)
- 1/2 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp olive oil (for hummus)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the chicken and mince the garlic. Prepare the cucumber, tomatoes, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the diced chicken to the skillet along with tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes or red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt. Toss well and let the salad sit while the chicken cooks.
- Step 5: Spread hummus evenly over the base of each serving bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika or chili powder on top.
- Step 6: Top the hummus with the hot cooked chicken and fresh cucumber salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, either with warm pita bread or enjoy as a standalone bowl.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes and smoked paprika.
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice instead of hummus for a creamy alternative.
- Add cooked quinoa or rice under the hummus for a more filling bowl.
- Fresh mint or dill can be added to the cucumber salad for extra flavor.
Storage
Store leftover chicken, salad, and hummus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept chilled and tossed again before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders if you prefer. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use a plant-based hummus. Skip honey and use maple syrup or agave instead.
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad is a flavorful, nutritious dish combining tender, sautéed chicken with a creamy hummus base and a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The chicken is cooked with garlic, tomato paste, honey, and chili flakes for a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal quick and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cucumber Salad
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
- Salt to taste
Hummus
- 1/2 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp olive oil (for hummus)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
Instructions
- Preparation: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Dice the cucumber and chop the cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper. Set fresh parsley aside for garnishing later.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet along with tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Salad: In a separate bowl, combine diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes or red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt to taste. Toss the salad gently and let it sit to marinate slightly.
- Assemble Hummus Base: Spread half a cup of hummus evenly at the base of each serving bowl. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the hummus and sprinkle with smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor and color.
- Combine and Garnish: Top the hummus base with the hot cooked chicken, then add a generous portion of the fresh cucumber salad on top. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the bowl immediately, optionally with warm pita bread on the side, or enjoy as a complete healthy and satisfying meal on its own.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, serve without pita or choose gluten-free bread.
- Homemade hummus can be used for a fresher taste and to control ingredients.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish works well as a meal prep option since components can be prepared separately and combined when ready.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Spicy Garlic Chicken, Chicken Bowl, Hummus, Cucumber Salad, Mediterranean, Quick Dinner, Healthy Meal, Easy Recipe
