Dinner

Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad Recipe

Bymia larkspur January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

This Spicy Garlic Chicken Bowl with Hummus and Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The tender, spicy chicken pairs beautifully with creamy hummus and a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced and satisfying bowl.

The dish is served in a white rectangular bowl with three main sections: the bottom left contains a smooth, creamy beige hummus topped with a swirl of golden olive oil and sprinkled with red chili flakes; the top left has a fresh salad made of dark green kale, bright red halved cherry tomatoes, and chunky light green cucumber slices mixed with herbs; the right section is filled with grilled, golden-brown chicken pieces, slightly charred and garnished with chopped green parsley, resting on a bed of kale. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp lemon juice (for salad)
1 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
Salt to taste (for salad)
1/2 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp olive oil (for hummus)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the chicken and mince the garlic. Prepare the cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley for garnish.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the diced chicken, tomato paste, honey, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the diced cucumber, chopped cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt. Toss well and let the salad sit while the chicken finishes cooking.
Step 5: Spread the hummus evenly at the base of each bowl. Drizzle the hummus with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika or chili powder on top.
Step 6: Top the hummus with the hot spicy garlic chicken and the fresh cucumber salad. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Step 7: Serve immediately with warm pita bread or enjoy the bowl as is.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch more chili flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
Use Greek yogurt instead of hummus for a creamier texture.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
Add cooked quinoa or rice to turn this into a more filling meal.
Make the cucumber salad in advance to let the flavors meld better.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cucumber salad separate to maintain its crunch. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and add fresh hummus and salad when serving.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish holds a colorful meal divided into three parts. On the left is a creamy layer of light beige hummus with a smooth texture, topped with a pool of golden olive oil and sprinkled with red chili flakes. Next to the hummus, in the middle layer, is a fresh salad made of chopped bright green cucumber pieces and shiny red cherry tomato halves, mixed with finely chopped green herbs, resting on a bed of curly dark green kale leaves. On the right side of the dish are grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, slightly charred brown and reddish glaze, garnished with green herbs, also laid on dark green kale leaves. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The bowl itself is gluten-free if you avoid serving it with pita bread. Always check store-bought hummus labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients.