In the quest for healthy, delicious, and satisfying meals that fit into a busy lifestyle, grain bowls have emerged as a true hero. And this Chicken & Cranberry Feta Grain Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious example! It’s packed with tender grilled chicken, chewy grains, tangy dried cranberries, salty feta, and crisp vegetables, all brought together by a bright, zesty Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even as a fantastic meal prep option for the week ahead, these bowls are bursting with color, texture, and wholesome goodness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a big believer that healthy eating should never be boring, and this grain bowl perfectly embodies that philosophy. What I particularly love about these bowls is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. You get the savory protein from the chicken, the satisfying chewiness of the grains, the burst of sweetness from the cranberries, the salty tang of the feta, and the fresh crunch of the vegetables. Every bite is a little adventure!

Beyond the taste, these bowls are a dream for meal prepping. You can cook the grains and chicken ahead of time, whisk up the dressing, and then simply assemble the bowls in minutes when you’re ready to eat. It makes healthy eating effortless and ensures you have a delicious, homemade meal even on your busiest days. It’s a fantastic way to stay nourished and energized without feeling weighed down.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to build these beautiful and delicious grain bowls:

• 2 cups cooked farro, quinoa, or brown rice (your grain of choice)
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or shredded
• 1 ⁄4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 ⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 ⁄2 cup baby spinach or arugula
• 1 ⁄4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 ⁄4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 ⁄2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Grains: Farro, quinoa, or brown rice are excellent choices for their texture and nutritional value. Cook according to package directions. You can even use a mix of grains.
• Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even a quickly pan-seared chicken breast can be used. For another light and tangy chicken option, you might enjoy my A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).
• Dried Fruit: Dried cherries or golden raisins could be swapped for cranberries.
• Cheese: Goat cheese or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese could offer a different flavor profile instead of feta.
• Greens: Mixed greens, chopped kale, or romaine could be used in place of spinach or arugula.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap in other chopped veggies like bell peppers, cooked broccoli florets, or corn.
• Nuts: Pecans, pistachios, or sunflower seeds would also be delicious.
• Sweetener for Vinaigrette: The honey or maple syrup is optional but helps to balance the tartness of the lemon and the tang of the Dijon.

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Directions

Assembling these colorful grain bowls is incredibly simple, especially if your grains and chicken are pre-cooked.

1. Prepare the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together (or shake vigorously) all the vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and black pepper until completely emulsified and well combined. Set aside.
2. Build the Base: In 2-3 individual bowls or meal prep containers, spread the cooked grains (farro, quinoa, or brown rice) as the base for each bowl.
3. Layer the Toppings: Artfully arrange the remaining ingredients on top of the grain base in each bowl. This includes the sliced or shredded grilled chicken, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, baby spinach or arugula, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped red onion. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or almonds over everything.
4. Season & Serve: Season each bowl with an additional pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle generously with the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette just before serving. If you are preparing these bowls for meal prep, pack the vinaigrette separately in a small container to keep the greens and other ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.
5. Enjoy: Serve fresh or at room temperature. These bowls are designed to be enjoyed immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

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Pro Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a larger batch of grains and grill extra chicken on the weekend. This makes assembling these bowls during the week incredibly fast.
• Squeeze the Red Onion: If you find raw red onion too strong, thinly slice it, then rinse it under cold water for a minute or two before chopping and adding to the bowl. This mellows its flavor.
• Rest the Chicken: If grilling chicken fresh, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
• Dress Just Before Serving: For the freshest salad, especially if meal prepping, always add the dressing right before you’re about to eat.
• Customize: Don’t be afraid to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Chicken & Cranberry Feta Grain Bowls are hearty enough to be a complete meal, but they also pair well with light accompaniments.

• Light Lunch: Perfect for a satisfying and nutritious midday meal at home or taken to work.
• Dinner Option: Serve as a fresh and healthy dinner.
• Refreshing Drink: Pair with a glass of This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days for a light and revitalizing meal.
• Appetizer: If serving as part of a larger spread, you could offer a side of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a contrasting comfort food bite.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

These bowls are fantastic for meal prep, but a few considerations will ensure freshness.

• Meal Prep (Separate Dressing): If prepping ahead for the week, assemble all solid ingredients in your meal prep containers, but store the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette in a separate small container. Add the dressing just before eating to prevent greens from wilting and grains from getting soggy.
• Storage: Once assembled (without dressing), the bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Best Fresh: While they hold well, the crunch of the vegetables and freshness of the greens are best within 1-2 days of assembly.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the fresh, healthy, and convenient nature of these grain bowls, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another light and tangy chicken dish that’s great for meal prep, check out A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).
• If you’re a fan of easy chicken and grain combinations, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a comforting option.
• For another quick and customizable meal that’s great for feeding a group, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

These Chicken & Cranberry Feta Grain Bowls are a true testament to how healthy eating can be vibrant, delicious, and incredibly convenient. They pack a punch of flavor and nutrients in every bite, making them a perfect solution for busy lifestyles or anyone looking for a fresh, satisfying meal. Give them a try, and elevate your meal game with these beautiful bowls!

What are your favorite combinations for a healthy grain bowl? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.