High-Protein Mediterranean Chickpea & Chicken Bowl

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
2. 2. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat or cook in a non-stick skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. 3. While chicken cooks, prepare the lemon-tahini dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and about 1-2 tablespoons of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to your preferred consistency.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and baby spinach. Toss gently to mix.
5. 5. Drizzle half of the lemon-tahini dressing over the veggie and chickpea mixture and toss to coat evenly.
6. 6. Divide the dressed salad into 4 bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken.
7. 7. Drizzle remaining dressing over the chicken bowls and garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
8. 8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for a convenient meal prep lunch.

Chef tips

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Switch baby spinach with kale or arugula if preferred; massage kale with a little olive oil to soften before adding.
• For a vegan variant, omit chicken and add grilled tofu or extra chickpeas.
• Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese if dairy is allowed for extra protein and flavor.