Mediterranean Diet Chicken Recipes for Lunch, Dinner, or Meal Prep

Once again, the Mediterranean diet has been ranked the "best diet" by

U.S. News & World Report

. Before you drown yourself in hummus, know that it's the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats that give this diet merit. (Plus, the Mediterranean diet

might

make people happier).

Try some of these chicken recipes for lunch, dinner, or even a high-protein snack—and if you love them, try one of these Mediterranean cookbooks or this list of 50 Mediterranean diet meal ideas for even more inspo.

If you're going to have a Mediterranean meal, might as well make it one of the region's OG dishes: chicken shawarma. Turns out, you don't need to a giant spit to cook shawarma; your oven at home can do the trick. What you do need are some spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Pro tip: This recipe is better if you marinate the chicken overnight.

Get the recipe: Chicken Shawarma

These Greek yogurt chicken salad lettuce wraps are perfect for when you feel like you need a salad—but don't want a salad. You wrap the chicken salad up in lettuce, tricking your heart into thinking you're just eating a mini tangy, sweet, crunchy sandwich! It's also so easy to make, you probably already have the ingredients at home. (Fell in love with this Mediterranean meal idea? Here's a list of other easy, breezy Mediterranean snacks).

Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

This Mediterranean meal prep lunch is going to be your favorite. Orzo salad with chicken, bell peppers, and olives is a hearty and healthy meal when spaghetti and meatballs just feels too basic. The dressing is made from mustard, lemon, and olive oil, and the peppers, olives, and green onion add color and nutrients. (Here's why you should eat colorful foods.)

Get the recipe: Orzo Salad with Chicken, Bell Peppers, and Olives

Salsa isn't just for taco Tuesday. In this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe, the salsa has artichoke hearts, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, instead of your usual tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It's a little chunkier than traditional salsa, so use pita bread to scoop up the leftovers.

Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Salsa

Take some time to set yourself up for success this week by doing a little meal prep. Whether you want to pack this Greek chicken meal prep dish up for lunch or have a no-hassle dinner, it's a delicious Mediterranean chicken recipe to have on hand.

To make the tabbouleh, you can even use cauliflower rice instead of bulgur wheat for a low-carb substitute. On the Whole30 diet? There's a dairy-free recipe for the tzatziki as well. (Curious about Whole30? Here's one woman's success story.)

Get the recipe: Chicken, Tzatziki, and Tabbouleh Greek Meal Prep Bowl

You will not regret straying from your same old sandwich with this chicken and hummus wrap. This Mediterranean chicken recipe can be a refreshing lunch or a quick snack, and the best part is it uses hummus instead of mayonnaise for a good source of protein. 

Get the recipe: Chicken and Hummus Wrap

This dish has the Mediterranean triple threat: pesto, olives, and feta. Keto diet friendly and time friendly, this creamy baked pesto chicken is cooked all in one skillet, so the flavors from the vinegar and the pesto really mingle together. (Related: Easy Keto Chicken Recipes for Dinner or Meal Prep)

Get the recipe: Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe with Olives, and Feta

Are you trying to stay healthy, but in the middle of a Netflix binge? Instead of ordering in again, make this Mediterranean chicken sausage and veggie bake—all you have to do is chop everything up, throw it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the hard work. It's chock full of vegetables such as zucchinis and artichoke hearts, and it calls for honey and red pepper flakes which give it a sweet and spicy kick.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Sausage and Veggie Bake

Layer this Greek chickpea chicken salad in a mason jar for a portable lunch. (Love the mason jar idea? Here are other must-try mason jar meals and desserts.) While in the jar, the Mediterranean flavors (lemon, oregano, and basil) start to mix together so every bite packs a citrusy, herbal punch.

Get the recipe: Greek Chickpea Chicken Salad

This tahini and lemon chicken recipe will give you an excuse to use up the rest of that jar of tahini sitting in the kitchen. ICYDK, tahini is made from crushed sesame seeds, and if you've never cooked with it before, prepare to be hooked. (Related: 10 Creative Ways to Use Tahini)

In this Mediterranean chicken recipe, tahini's nutty flavor pairs with garlic for a very satisfying combo. Put this chicken on top of spaghetti squash or zucchini to keep the meal low-carb, and get some extra nutrition from the veggies.

Get the recipe: Tahini and Lemon Chicken Recipe