Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- Harissa paste (3 tablespoons)
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup dry)
- Hummus (1/2 cup prepared)
- Persian cucumber (1 medium, diced)
- Pickled red onions (1/2 cup)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided)
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. In a bowl, toss the chicken with the harissa paste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Cook the rice according to package instructions (typically 1 cup rice with 2 cups water). Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
- Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Step 4: Prepare the bowl base by dividing the cooked rice between two serving bowls. Add a generous dollop of hummus to the side of the rice in each bowl.
- Step 5: Divide the Harissa chicken evenly over the rice. Top the bowls with the diced Persian cucumber and a portion of the pickled red onions. Finish the bowl with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Store the cooked chicken and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, but always keep the hummus, cucumbers, and pickled onions chilled and separated until you build the next bowl.
- For the best texture, reheat the chicken strips gently in a dry skillet until warmed through, then microwave the rice separately; add all chilled toppings only after the warm components are ready.
- The 30-minute marinade is essential, but if time allows, letting the chicken strips marinate for 4-6 hours will truly deepen that spicy harissa flavor.
- To add an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor, serve this bowl alongside a few wedges of warm pita bread or sprinkle the finished dish with crumbled feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American