Homemade Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe: A Flavorful Feast

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken shawarma bowl sparks culinary adventure in my kitchen.

Fragrant spices dance across tender marinated meat, promising incredible flavor combinations.

Layers of colorful ingredients create a vibrant meal that feels like a personal celebration.

Middle Eastern cuisine inspires this simple yet remarkable dish packed with nutrition.

Mediterranean herbs and zesty seasonings infuse each bite with excitement.

Home cooks can easily assemble this delightful bowl using everyday ingredients.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its irresistible taste and quick preparation.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Store leftover chicken shawarma in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tahini sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate grains and vegetables before freezing to maintain texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent drying. Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Pair Zesty Wines: Choose crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the shawarma's bold Mediterranean spices and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Refresh with Cocktails: Mix a refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired cocktail like arak spritzer or a citrus-infused gin drink that echoes the lemon and herb notes in the shawarma bowl.
• Match Craft Beers: Select light, hoppy craft beers such as wheat ales or pale ales that balance the spicy chicken and provide a clean, bright counterpoint to the dish's complex flavors.
• Elevate with Non-Alcoholic Options: Prepare a mint lemonade or sparkling cucumber water that mirrors the recipe's fresh ingredients and offers a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced chicken.

Fun Twists on Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps all the bold shawarma flavors while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas, using the same spice blend to maintain the authentic shawarma taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with rice or quinoa instead of wheat-based grains for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip any dairy-based sauces and create a dairy-free tahini dressing using plant-based yogurt or additional olive oil with lemon juice to maintain moisture and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken shawarma marinade special?

The blend of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric creates a complex, aromatic flavor profile that gives the chicken its authentic and rich taste.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to be more juicy and flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Just ensure you cook the chicken to the correct internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken shawarma bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your spices and any additional ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-packed?

You can add additional protein sources like hummus, extra grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese to boost the protein content and make the bowl more filling.

Why You’ll Crave the Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Packed with a vibrant blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this chicken shawarma bowl delivers an explosion of Middle Eastern-inspired tastes that will excite your taste buds.
• Choose from stovetop, oven, or grill methods, making this recipe adaptable to your kitchen setup and preferred cooking style without compromising on deliciousness.
• Marinate chicken ahead of time and assemble the bowl in minutes, creating a nutritious one-dish meal loaded with protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains for a balanced dinner solution.
• Easily swap ingredients like rice base, add different vegetables, or adjust toppings to suit personal preferences, making this recipe perfect for families and individual tastes.

Ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Chicken: Tender meat marinated with aromatic spices.

• Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Garlic Powder, Cayenne, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices for deep flavor and seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and tenderize chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize meat.

• Tahini: Creamy base for tangy sauce.
• Garlic: Adds pungent flavor to sauce.
• Salt: Enhances sauce flavor.

• Rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice: Nutritious foundation for the bowl.

• Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Lettuce: Fresh and crisp vegetable mix for texture and nutrition.

• Parsley, Mint: Fresh herbs for additional flavor.

• Pickled Onions, Olives: Extra tangy and salty components.

Chicken Shawarma Bowl Cooking Method

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until they form a harmonious blend of spices.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

Slice chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes.

Completely coat the chicken in the prepared marinade, ensuring every piece is generously covered.

Step 3: Let Flavors Develop

Cover the marinated chicken and let it rest in the refrigerator.

Allow the flavors to mingle and intensify for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum taste explosion.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Stovetop Method:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a touch of olive oil and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Spread chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway through cooking.

Grill Method:

Fire up the grill to medium heat.

Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, creating delightful char marks.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Tahini Sauce

• Tahini
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Stir ingredients together, gradually adding water until you achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Shawarma Bowl

• Cooked rice
• Quinoa
• Cauliflower rice

Step 7: Layer with Delicious Toppings

Add a generous portion of cooked chicken over the base.

• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Bell pepper
• Lettuce

Step 8: Finish with Fabulous Flourishes

Drizzle tahini sauce over the bowl.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint.

Optional extras like pickled onions or olives can add an extra flavor punch.

Tips to Nail the Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Let the chicken soak in the spice mixture overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Choose between stovetop, oven, or grill based on your kitchen setup or preference, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Gradually add water to the tahini sauce, stirring carefully to achieve your perfect drizzling texture – thin enough to pour but thick enough to cling to the ingredients.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or use quinoa for added protein, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary needs.

Delicious Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with chicken shawarma bowl, blending Middle Eastern spices and fresh ingredients into a delightful meal. Balanced flavors and textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of this satisfying, wholesome creation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken thighs (boneless, skinless or chicken breasts)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked rice (quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups lettuce or mixed greens

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint (chopped)
• Optional: pickled onions (olives, or feta cheese)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Water to thin (as needed)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and a vibrant blend of spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper) until thoroughly integrated.
2. Transform chicken into uniform strips or cubes, thoroughly coating each piece in the aromatic marinade.
3. Seal the marinated chicken and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, permitting flavors to deeply penetrate.
4. For stovetop preparation, heat a skillet to medium-high temperature. Introduce a light drizzle of olive oil and sear chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Oven method requires preheating to 425°F. Distribute chicken across a baking sheet, roasting for 20-25 minutes and rotating midway to guarantee even caramelization.
6. Grill enthusiasts should maintain medium heat, cooking chicken 5-6 minutes per side until achieving attractive char marks.
7. Craft a creamy tahini sauce by combining tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Gradually incorporate water to achieve desired texture.
8. Establish a foundation using rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice in serving bowls.
9. Arrange the expertly cooked chicken atop the grain base.
10. Adorn with crisp vegetables: cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and lettuce for fresh, vibrant layers.
11. Finale includes drizzling tahini sauce, garnishing with fresh parsley or mint, and optionally adding pickled onions or olives for enhanced complexity.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight to intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat for a more delicious result.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing food safety.
• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that maintains the same bold Middle Eastern spice profile.
• Prep ingredients in advance for a quick weeknight meal, storing marinated protein and chopped vegetables separately in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg