Description
A Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delicious, healthy, and customizable dish featuring tender, spiced chicken, crisp veggies, and a flavorful sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired meal is packed with bold flavors and textures for a hearty and balanced meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 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 heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice, quinoa, or greens (for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro
- 1/2 cup hummus or tzatziki (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate and Cook the Chicken:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.Cook the Chicken:
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of water. Add more water if needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Start with a base of cooked rice, quinoa, or greens in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley or cilantro.
- Add a dollop of hummus or tzatziki, if using. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the bowl.
Serve:
- Garnish with extra parsley, a wedge of lemon, or a sprinkle of sumac for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the cooked rice with a little olive oil and turmeric before assembling the bowl.
- This dish is highly customizable: add pickled vegetables, roasted chickpeas, or feta cheese for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and fresh veggies separate for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Chicken shawarma, shawarma bowl, healthy dinner, Middle Eastern bowls, easy meal prep