Why You’ll Love Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a meal that feels both hearty and healthy, this Chicken Shawarma Bowl is your new go-to. It’s packed with juicy, spiced chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy sauces, all served over a base of rice or greens. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep champion, this dish has you covered.
Pure Comfort
This bowl is the perfect balance of warm, spiced comfort and crisp, refreshing toppings. The marinated chicken is full of deep Middle Eastern flavors, while the fresh veggies and tangy sauces bring a light, satisfying contrast.
Ingredients of Chicken Shawarma Bowl
What You Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
For the Toppings:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup pickled red onions (optional)
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (optional)
For the Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Time to Cook Chicken Shawarma Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra flavor)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
Steps to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better!).
Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Mix the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
Assemble the Bowl
Start with your rice or greens as the base. Add the sliced chicken and arrange the cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, feta, and olives around it.
Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle with the garlic sauce, add pickled onions if using, and enjoy!
Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl Perfect
- Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, let it marinate overnight.
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay extra juicy and tender.
- Grill It: If you have a grill, use it! The smoky flavor is unbeatable.
Mix Chicken Shawarma Bowl Up
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
- Try hummus or tzatziki instead of garlic sauce.
Perfect Partners
Pair your Chicken Shawarma Bowl with warm pita bread, a side of baba ganoush, or a cool cucumber salad.
Busy Day Hero
Short on time? Use pre-cooked chicken and toss it with shawarma spices before heating it up.
Work Ahead
Meal prepping? Cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Save Some For Later
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate to avoid soggy veggies.
Everyone’s Happy
This bowl is totally customizable! Make it spicy, keep it dairy-free, or add extra toppings to suit everyone’s tastes.
Good For You Too
With lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies, this bowl is a balanced, nutritious meal.
Easy Clean Up
Only one pan needed for cooking the chicken, making cleanup a breeze.
Switch It Up
Try it with beef, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Simply Perfect
A meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make this Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a winner every time!
FAQs of Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Can I use store-bought shawarma seasoning?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a pre-made seasoning mix works well.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken without a grill?
A cast-iron skillet or oven baking at 400°F for 20 minutes works great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap yogurt for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt.
How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper to the marinade or drizzle with spicy harissa sauce.
What’s the best rice for this dish?
Basmati or jasmine rice works best, but brown rice is a great whole-grain option.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes! Cooked and sliced chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Conclusion of Chicken Shawarma Bowl
The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a perfect blend of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and wholesome nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep solution, or a dish that pleases the whole family, this recipe has something for everyone. The spiced, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables, tangy garlic sauce, and a satisfying rice or salad base, making it a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.
One of the best things about this bowl is its flexibility. You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Try using chicken thighs for extra juiciness, substitute quinoa for rice, or add a spicy harissa drizzle for an extra kick. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors or just looking to add variety to your weekly meals, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats, this bowl keeps you full and energized while supporting a balanced diet. Plus, with easy meal prep and simple cleanup, it’s a practical option for busy schedules.
If you love Middle Eastern-inspired flavors and crave a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing, this Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a must-try. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. So go ahead, give it a try, mix it up with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
- Yield: 2-3 servings
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors, featuring tender, spiced chicken served over fluffy rice or fresh greens. Topped with crisp vegetables, creamy garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of feta, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are combined with olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and yogurt. The base of the bowl includes cooked basmati rice or an alternative like quinoa or cauliflower rice, along with crisp romaine lettuce. Toppings like diced cucumber, tomato, thinly sliced red onion, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, pickled red onions, and kalamata olives add freshness and flavor. A creamy garlic sauce made from Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt ties everything together.
Instructions
The chicken is marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, olive oil, and yogurt for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor. It is then grilled or pan-seared until golden brown and cooked through, before being allowed to rest and sliced into strips. The garlic sauce is prepared by mixing Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. To assemble the bowl, a base of rice or greens is layered with the sliced chicken and fresh toppings. A generous drizzle of garlic sauce completes the dish, making it ready to serve.
Notes
For the most flavorful results, marinate the chicken overnight. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture. The dish can be customized with additional toppings like hummus, tzatziki, or a spicy harissa drizzle. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, with the sauce kept separate to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, Shawarma Rice Bowl, Middle Eastern Chicken Bowl