Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Middle Eastern Feast at Home
Who doesn’t love the bold, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine? This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful combination of spiced chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice or crisp greens. It’s a recipe that brings the warmth of shawarma straight to your kitchen, perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep favorite. And the best part? It’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4 person
Total Calories: 738 calories per serving
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
- Warm pita bread (optional)
For the Tahini Sauce:
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, spices, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor. - Cook the Chicken:
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the rice (or quinoa) into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and pickled vegetables if desired. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bowls with warm pita bread on the side and enjoy a flavor-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious
Pro Tips:
- Marinating time: For best flavor, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours or overnight.
- Rice or Salad: You can choose either basmati rice or a fresh salad as the base.
- Customizing toppings: Add optional toppings like pickled vegetables, cucumbers, or tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Garlic Sauce: You can use store-bought garlic sauce or make your own using the provided recipe.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Double the marinade and save half to use as a salad dressing or to drizzle over roasted vegetables. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize the bowls with your favorite toppings.
FAQ
Well, traditionally, shawarma features perfectly spiced and marinated meat—often chicken, lamb, or beef—thinly sliced and layered into a wrap or bowl. You’ll also usually find fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, and a rich, creamy sauce like tahini or garlic sauce. It’s the combination of these simple, fresh ingredients that makes shawarma so irresistible!
The real secret lies in the marinade. A blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, paired with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, infuses the meat with incredible flavor. Slow cooking or grilling seals in those flavors, making each bite tender and juicy. And of course, serving it with a delicious sauce—like a homemade tahini sauce—takes it over the top!
Shawarma is typically divided into two main types based on the meat: chicken shawarma and beef or lamb shawarma. Each has its own unique flavor profile because the marinades and cooking techniques vary slightly. Chicken is often lighter and pairs beautifully with a lemony tahini sauce, while lamb or beef has a heartier, spicier flavor that’s just wonderful with a garlic yogurt sauce. Both are absolutely delicious!
Great question! To take your shawarma to the next level, I recommend marinating the meat overnight if you can. The longer it sits in those spices, the deeper the flavor will be. Also, consider adding a bit of fresh garlic and lemon zest to the marinade for an extra punch. When cooking, don’t be afraid to get a nice, crispy char on the edges of the meat—it adds such a delicious texture and depth of flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the sauce—whether it’s a rich tahini or a tangy garlic yogurt, it ties everything together beautifully!
I am the culinary expert behind Halaal Cuisine. With a passion for cooking, I research halal food from around the world, trying and tasting new dishes to bring unique flavors to my audience. Discover the rich flavors of halal cuisine with me.