I recently tried making this Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad Recipe, and I have to say—it quickly became one of my favorite weeknight meals. The combination of tender, garlicky chicken, creamy hummus, and refreshing cucumber salad is simply irresistible.
I love how it balances spice, tang, and creaminess in every bite. Preparing it was easier than I expected, and the kitchen smelled amazing the whole time. If you enjoy bold flavors but want a healthy, satisfying bowl, you can also enjoy similar flavors in a Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful bowl:
For the Spicy Garlic Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced – choose fresh chicken for juicier results
- 1 tbsp olive oil – enhances flavor and helps the chicken brown
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – fresh garlic gives the best aroma
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – adds richness and depth to the sauce
- 1 tbsp honey – balances the heat with natural sweetness
- 1 tsp chili flakes – adjust to your preferred spice level
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens the flavors
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced – crisp and fresh, avoid watery cucumbers
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar – gives a tangy kick
- 1 tsp olive oil – light drizzle for extra flavor
- Salt and pepper, to taste – enhances all the other flavors
For Serving:
- ½ cup hummus – store-bought or homemade works beautifully
- Cooked rice or quinoa – serves as the base for the bowl
Note: This recipe makes about 2 generous servings, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Variations
You can tweak this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or add a flavor twist:
- Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add smoked paprika or cumin to the chicken for an extra depth of flavor.
- Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb bowl. For a seafood twist, try Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime Chili Sauce Recipe for a fruity, spicy alternative.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Skillet – for cooking the chicken evenly
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the salad
- Knife and cutting board – for dicing chicken and slicing cucumber
- Spoon – for mixing and serving hummus
How to Make Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. I like to pat them dry so they sear nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Minced garlic adds an amazing aroma when sautéed.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic, tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice. I cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
Make the Cucumber Salad
While the chicken cooks, thinly slice your cucumber. Toss it with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I love letting it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
Assemble the Bowl
Start with a base of rice or quinoa in your bowl. Add a scoop of hummus, then top with the spicy garlic chicken. Finish with a generous helping of cucumber salad. I like to drizzle extra lemon juice for brightness.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are a few things I learned while making this recipe:
- I always use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced—it really elevates the flavor.
- Marinating the chicken for 15–20 minutes intensifies the spice and sweetness.
- I like to slightly char the edges of the chicken for extra texture.
- Serve immediately; the hummus tends to meld better when fresh.
How to Serve Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad
I love serving this bowl in deep, colorful dishes for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of chili flakes on top adds a pop of color and a bit more heat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~450 kcal – a satisfying, balanced meal
- Protein: 32g – great for muscle repair and energy
- Carbohydrates: 40g – mostly from rice or quinoa
- Fat: 15g – healthy fats from olive oil and hummus
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
You can store cooked chicken, cucumber salad, and hummus separately in airtight containers. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The chicken can be frozen after cooking. I portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy weeknight meals. Avoid freezing cucumber salad; it gets watery.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying it out. I recommend adding a squeeze of lemon after warming to refresh the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bowl has so many features that make it irresistible:
- Quick and easy – ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-packed – sweet, spicy, and tangy all in one bite.
- Versatile – easily customizable for vegetarian or low-carb options.
- Healthy and balanced – protein, carbs, and healthy fats in one meal.
- Crowd-pleaser – colorful and flavorful, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus & Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. I like to pat them dry so they sear nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Minced garlic adds an amazing aroma when sautéed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic, tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice. I cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, thinly slice your cucumber. Toss it with red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. I love letting it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
- Start with a base of rice or quinoa in your bowl. Add a scoop of hummus, then top with the spicy garlic chicken. Finish with a generous helping of cucumber salad. I like to drizzle extra lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- I always use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced—it really elevates the flavor.
- Marinating the chicken for 15–20 minutes intensifies the spice and sweetness.
- I like to slightly char the edges of the chicken for extra texture.
- Serve immediately; the hummus tends to meld better when fresh.
