Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Pita Bowl Recipe
This light but satisfying Mediterranean chicken and rice dish is flavored with za’atar seasoning and tahini dressing served in crisp oven-baked pita bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Success® White Rice
- 4 pita bread rounds
- nonstick cooking spray
- 2 tbsp tahini paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp minced garlic, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup peas
- 1/4 cup carrot, chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tsp za’atar
- 1 cup shredded chicken, cooked
- lemon wedges
Instructions
Made with fluffy Success® White Rice, the filling for these Mediterranean-inspired pita bowls is easier than ever.
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 425°F.
Step 2
Wrap pita in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Lightly coat both side of each pita bread with non-stick cooking spray. Press pitas into oven-proof bowls or cups to form bowl shape. Place on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, or until pitas begin to crisp.
Step 3
In small bowl combine tahini, lemon juice, water and 1/2 teaspoon garlic. Stir until smooth. Reserve.
Step 4
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions, peas, carrots, red bell peppers, and remaining garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add za’atar, chicken and rice. Continue to sauté 2 minutes.
Step 5
Fill pita bowls with rice mixture and drizzle with tahini sauce. Serve with lemon wedges.
Recipe Tip
Substitute whole wheat tortillas for the pita or skip the baking and just serve with pita chips.
Simple Rice Filling
Looking for a meal that’s hearty and balanced, yet quick and easy to prepare? These chicken, rice and veggie filled pita bowls are the answer! For this recipe, you can enjoy crave-worthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with a fun twist — served in a crispy pita bread bowl. Simply fill with a quick stir-fried blend of chicken and white rice with veggies and za’atar seasoning. Drizzle over a homemade tahini dressing to tie all of the flavors together.
Enjoy this meal for lunch or dinner, or bring it as a yummy addition to your next potluck dinner or as a tasty side for an outdoor BBQ.
Dressing Tip: Make a double batch of dressing and keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container for another Mediterranean-inspired meal throughout the week like a Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Zucchini Fritters.
Tips and Tricks to Make a Pita or Tortilla Bowl
Use these tips to making homemade edible bowls for a fun meal twist.
-Instead of heating the pita bread individually in the microwave, simply stack them with a damp paper towel in between each and microwave them together. However, use a maximum of four at a time. While you work with one, leave the rest still wrapped in the paper towels to avoid hardening.
-To prep the pita or tortilla, lightly spray it with non-stick spray, remember to cover both sides. If you don’t have oven-safe bowls or ramekins available for each piece of pita bread, use an upside down muffin tin instead!
–Adapt this meal to make a finger food appetizer. Use small corn tortillas or small pieces of pita bread. This will leave you with mini pita or tortilla bowls which you can easily fill with this or any other filling and serve at your next gathering or party.
If you are looking for a seafood option and have always wondered to yourself, “how do you make shrimp fried rice,” do yourself a favor and find out today!
