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If there’s one thing I learned growing up near the lavender fields of Provence, it’s that the best meals come together simply—built from what’s fresh, what’s leftover, and what makes the house smell incredible. That’s exactly how these baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls were born: from a half-used block of feta, a container of leftover roasted chicken, and a craving for something comforting yet bright.
On rushed weeknights, I turn to this bowl the same way I’d once turn to my grandmother’s olive-oil-roasted vegetables—something warm, deeply flavorful, and easy to throw together. What I love most is how the baked feta melts into a creamy sauce, hugging the juicy chicken and fluffy quinoa like a dressing that made itself. It’s the perfect combination of rich and refreshing, hearty and healthy.
A One-Bowl Wonder Born from Leftovers
This dish started out as a “use what you have” moment, but quickly became a staple. I’d just pulled chicken from the oven and realized I had everything on hand: quinoa I batch-cooked earlier in the week, ripe cherry tomatoes, and a few kalamata olives. The feta? It was practically begging to be baked.
I tossed it all in a dish with olive oil and herbs, popped it into the oven, and the magic happened. The tomatoes burst. The feta softened into a savory, tangy cream. Stirring it together created a rich, spoon-coating sauce that brought the entire bowl to life.
If you love simple meal-prep recipes with bold flavor, this is for you. And if you’re into mix-and-match meals like my rainbow veggie sheet pan or Mediterranean white bean chopped salad, this bowl belongs on your table.
Building the Bowl
The Base Layer: Protein Meets Grain
What makes baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls so satisfying is their structure—each component does more than fill the bowl; it balances flavor and function. Start with a base of fluffy cooked quinoa. It’s not only protein-rich but also neutral enough to soak up all the flavors from the roasted feta and tomatoes.
Next comes the chicken. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover roast, or even meal-prepped baked chicken breasts. It’s a great way to repurpose yesterday’s dinner into today’s Mediterranean power bowl. The warm quinoa softens the chicken, and when combined with the feta-tomato mix, it turns into a creamy, cohesive dish.
This meal reminds me of the way we used to layer food at home in Provence—simple components arranged thoughtfully. The quinoa is your base, the chicken your anchor, and the feta… well, it’s the flavor punch. Think of it like building a layered bite in green veggie lemon orzo salad: every forkful should have a bit of everything.
The Flavor Boosters: Feta, Herbs & Roasted Veg
Now comes the fun part—add-ins that bring Mediterranean sunshine into your bowl. Baked cherry tomatoes are essential. They blister beautifully in the oven and release juices that blend with the feta into a warm, silky sauce. Sprinkle in chopped kalamata olives for briny contrast, diced cucumbers for crunch, and fresh parsley or dill for brightness.
A squeeze of lemon juice finishes it off, cutting through the richness and tying everything together. Some days, I’ll even toss in chickpeas from my dense bean salad for extra fiber and protein.
This is a dish where you don’t just eat—you build, taste, and adjust as you go. That’s the magic of the Mediterranean way.
Baking the Feta Right
Yes—Here’s How to Do It
So, can you bake feta with chicken? Absolutely—and it’s the part that takes this bowl from “nice” to unforgettable. Baking feta not only softens the texture, but also mellows its sharpness, turning it into a creamy, salty sauce that melts right into your bowl.
Here’s how I do it: In a small baking dish, place a block of feta alongside halved cherry tomatoes and shredded or cubed cooked chicken. Drizzle generously with olive oil, scatter some thinly sliced garlic, and sprinkle dried oregano and chili flakes. Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden and melty.
Once it comes out of the oven, gently mash the feta and tomatoes together. What you’re left with is a savory, tangy, spoon-coating sauce that hugs the chicken and adds incredible depth to your baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls.
It reminds me a bit of the texture trick in my high-protein buffalo chicken dip—melty, dippable, but wholesome. It’s that satisfying richness that feels indulgent but still fits into a balanced lifestyle.
A Sauce That Doubles As Dressing
The brilliance of baked feta is how it pulls double duty. It’s not just part of the dish—it becomes the dressing. There’s no need to whisk up a vinaigrette or make a separate sauce. When the feta melts into the roasted tomato juices and olive oil, it creates a built-in dressing that coats every bite of quinoa and chicken.
I like to drizzle the sauce while everything’s still warm, letting it sink into the quinoa base. But you can also let it cool and use it cold—it thickens slightly, becoming spreadable and even more flavorful the next day.
Up next: I’ll show you how to prep these bowls for the week and keep them tasting fresh and vibrant.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Prep Once, Eat All Week
When it comes to balanced meal prep, few dishes check as many boxes as baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls. They’re protein-packed, veggie-rich, naturally gluten-free, and taste even better after a day in the fridge. That’s why I often make them alongside weekly staples like overnight Weetabix or cottage cheese ice cream—a sweet, a savory, and you’re set for the week.
Portion everything into airtight containers: start with the quinoa, then layer the baked chicken and roasted tomato-feta sauce. Add veggies like cucumbers or greens just before eating to keep them crisp.
These bowls will hold beautifully for 4–5 days in the fridge, and the feta-tomato mix only gets creamier. When reheating, just give it a quick stir and warm it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or enjoy it cold—either way, the flavor holds strong.
Smart Storage Tips
To preserve freshness and texture, here are a few tricks I swear by:
- Store wet and crisp separately: Keep cucumbers or fresh herbs in a mini container and toss them in before eating.
- Lemon juice at the last minute: Add your squeeze of lemon just before serving to keep it bright.
- Olive oil drizzle refresh: A teaspoon over the top revives the bowl like new.
These quinoa chicken bowls for meal prep are forgiving, fast, and flexible. You can even switch the protein—grilled salmon or chickpeas work just as well—and swap the grain if you prefer bulgur or farro.
Meal prep should never feel like a chore. With bowls like this, it’s more like a reward waiting for you in the fridge.
FAQs About Baked Feta, Chicken & Quinoa Bowls
What goes into a Mediterranean chicken quinoa bowl?
A classic Mediterranean quinoa bowl includes cooked quinoa, shredded or roasted chicken, roasted tomatoes, baked feta, olives, cucumbers, and a splash of lemon juice. Herbs like parsley or dill and a drizzle of olive oil finish the dish.
Can you bake feta with chicken?
Yes! Baking feta with chicken (and tomatoes) results in a creamy, savory sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. It enhances the flavor and makes meal prep simple—no separate dressing needed.
Are chicken quinoa bowls good for meal prep?
They’re excellent for meal prep. These bowls hold their flavor, texture, and freshness for up to 5 days when stored properly. Keep wet ingredients like cucumbers or herbs separate and add them just before eating.
What does baked feta taste like?
Baked feta becomes warm, soft, and creamy with a tangy richness. When combined with roasted tomatoes and olive oil, it creates a velvety, flavorful sauce that ties the entire bowl together.
Conclusion
Baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls have become one of my favorite weeknight meals—and for good reason. They’re balanced, bold, and beautiful, with the kind of layered flavor you’d expect from something far more complicated. But really, they’re just smart meal prep made with real ingredients.
If you’re craving something that feels fresh yet comforting, this is the bowl for you. I always pair it with leftovers from my dense bean salad or follow it up with a scoop of cottage cheese ice cream. One pan, one bowl, one week of flavor—done.
PrintMediterranean baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls
These Mediterranean baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls are creamy, tangy, and high in protein—perfect for meal prep or a warm, healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 bowls 1x
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 block feta cheese
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place feta, tomatoes, chicken, garlic, oregano, and olive oil in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and feta is golden.
4. Mash feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce.
5. Spoon quinoa into bowls and top with baked mixture.
6. Add cucumber, olives, herbs, and lemon.
7. Serve warm or store for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For vegetarian version, swap chicken with chickpeas.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil for richer texture.
- Feta can also be baked separately for a crispier top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked feta, chicken & quinoa bowls, Mediterranean bowls, meal prep bowls, healthy baked feta, chicken quinoa meal
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