ADVERTISEMENT
– In a small bowl, whisk together the **tahini**, **olive oil**, **lemon juice**, and **minced garlic** until smooth and creamy.
– Add **water** a little at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. If you like a thicker sauce, keep it as is; if you prefer it more runny, add more water until you get the perfect texture.
– Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Set the sauce aside, and if you have time, chill it in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the dish.
#### **3. Grill the Chicken:**
– Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
– Grill the **chicken breasts** for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into thin strips for easy serving in the bowl.
#### **4. Assemble the Rice Bowl:**
– Start with a base of **cooked rice** in each bowl. You can use any variety of rice you prefer, but jasmine or brown rice works especially well in this recipe.
– Top the rice with the sliced **grilled chicken**, and then add the **cucumber slices**, **diced tomato**, and **sliced red onion** to the bowl for a refreshing crunch.
– Drizzle the **garlic tahini sauce** generously over the chicken and veggies. The creamy, garlicky sauce adds a wonderful depth of flavor to each bite.
#### **5. Garnish and Serve:**
– For a finishing touch, sprinkle some **fresh parsley** over the bowl for a pop of color and freshness.
– If desired, you can also add a sprinkle of **crumbled feta cheese** or a dollop of **hummus** for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
– Serve immediately and enjoy!
### **Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken & Garlic Tahini Rice Bowl:**
– **Packed with Flavor:** The grilled chicken, with its smoky and savory seasoning, pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy garlic tahini sauce, creating a combination that is both bold and satisfying.
– **Healthy & Nutritious:** This bowl is not only packed with protein from the chicken but also rich in fiber from the fresh veggies and whole grains. The tahini provides healthy fats, and the dish overall is full of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs.
– **Customizable:** You can easily make this dish your own by swapping out ingredients based on what you have or your preferences. Add roasted vegetables, swap rice for quinoa, or even try it with a different protein like salmon or tofu.
– **Quick and Easy:** With just a few simple steps, this bowl comes together in no time. The marinade and tahini sauce can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
– **Visually Stunning:** The vibrant colors from the tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh parsley make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with family.
### **Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Garlic Tahini Rice Bowl:**
– **Marinate the Chicken Longer for More Flavor:** If you have extra time, let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours to infuse it with more flavor. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still do the trick.
– **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** If you prefer a more garlicky flavor, feel free to add an extra clove of garlic to the tahini sauce. You can also adjust the lemon juice to make the sauce more tangy if desired.
– **Cook the Rice Ahead of Time:** You can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This makes the recipe even quicker to assemble on busy days.
– **Add Extra Veggies:** Feel free to add more veggies to your bowl, such as shredded carrots, avocado slices, or roasted sweet potatoes. These additions will not only boost the flavor but also increase the nutritional value of your meal.
### **Conclusion:**
The **Grilled Chicken & Garlic Tahini Rice Bowl** is the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, all brought together by the creamy, garlicky tahini dressing. It’s an easy, satisfying, and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by everyone—whether for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its rich, smoky grilled chicken, refreshing veggies, and the luxurious tahini sauce, this bowl is a treat for both your taste buds and your body.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy this flavorful, nutritious meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!