Panera Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Chicken

Panera’s Mediterranean Grain Bowl has become a benchmark for healthy, satisfying meals that don’t compromise on flavor. This nutrient-packed bowl combines protein-rich quinoa and brown rice with tender grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and authentic Mediterranean flavors. This copycat recipe brings all the wholesome goodness of Panera’s popular grain bowl to your kitchen, allowing you to customize ingredients while saving money and controlling quality.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why this recipe works

This Panera copycat succeeds because it balances protein, healthy carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables while delivering the authentic Mediterranean flavors that made the original so popular. The combination of quinoa and brown rice provides complete nutrition and satisfying texture, while fresh vegetables and quality toppings create a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually better than takeout.

Recipe Ingredients

For the Grain Base:

• Arugula – Provides peppery bite and nutrient-dense leafy greens
• Cooked brown rice and quinoa – Creates protein-rich, fiber-packed foundation
• Chicken breasts – Lean protein that takes on Mediterranean flavors beautifully

For the Mediterranean Toppings:

• Grape tomatoes – Add sweet, juicy bursts of flavor and lycopene
• Kalamata olives – Contribute a briny, authentic Mediterranean taste
• Cucumber – Provides cooling crunch and hydrating freshness
• Hummus – Adds creamy protein and traditional Middle Eastern flavors
• Feta cheese – Delivers a tangy, salty contrast that brightens the bowl
• Plain Greek yogurt – Creates a cooling element while boosting protein content
• Lemon – Brightens all flavors with fresh citrus acidity
• Tahini salad dressing – Optional finishing touch that adds nutty richness

How to Make Panera Mediterranean Grain Bowl with Chicken

1. If you do not already have grilled chicken breasts, go ahead and pan-sear or grill them for additional flavor.
2. Heat the brown rice and quinoa. I like to use the frozen brown rice and quinoa packets you find in the freezer section of your grocery store.
3. Then you will need to prepare all of your vegetables. Wash the arugula. Peel, seed, and slice the cucumber. Cut the tomatoes in half. It is a good idea to go ahead and make a few bowls at a time, so you can enjoy them later.
4. Assemble the bowls. Place brown rice and quinoa in the bottom. Top with sliced chicken, hummus, yogurt, arugula, cucumber, olives, and tomatoes. Drizzle tahini dressing on top.

Tips for Making and Serving Panera Warm Grain Bowls

• A Panera Grain Bowl should be warm, not hot. Let your grains and chicken cool off for a minute or two before putting into the bowl. If it is too hot, your vegetables will wilt.
• Premix the tahini dressing with the grains. If you are using the optional tahini dressing, try mixing it in with the quinoa and brown rice, before adding the grains to the bowl. This will provide you with the flavor of the dressing without turning your Panera grain bowl in a soupy mess.
• Panera Mediterranean Grain Bowls make a wondering make-ahead meal. When you are planning to take the grain bowl with you, pack the chicken and grains in a microwavable bowl with a lid and put the remaining ingredients in a separate container. This way, you be able to enjoy warm chicken and grains without nuking your veggies.

I hope you enjoy this salad, it is less expensive to make this grain bowl at home, than going out to the restaurant, and you can still enjoy the great flavor and the healthy dish at home.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Component Storage: Store grains, chicken, and fresh vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheating Method: Microwave grains and chicken until warm, then add fresh components. Alternatively, enjoy cold as a refreshing salad
• Assembly Timing: Combine components just before eating to maintain optimal textures and prevent soggy vegetables

Love Panera Bread? Try these copycat recipes:

• Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
• Panera Bread Walnut Honey Cream Cheese Spread
• Panera Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup
• Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
• Panera Bread Steak and Arugula Sandwich
• Panera Tomato Soup Recipe
• Panera Black Bean Soup Recipe
• Panera Bistro French Onion Soup
• Panera Potato Soup Recipe
• Panera BBQ Chicken Salad

Delicious Mediterranean Recipes

• Mediterranean Flatbread Olive Garden Recipe
• Roasted Greek Potatoes
• Greek Penne Pasta

Find more restaurant salads recipes and copycat soups.