Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with fresh ingredients.With marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy tahini sauce, this bowl is perfect for meal prep or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless or chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cups lettuce or mixed greens
For Toppings:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint chopped
- Optional: pickled onions olives, or feta cheese
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Water to thin as needed
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices (cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper) until well combined.
- Cut the chicken into strips or cubes and add it to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir well and add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Bowl
- Start with your base: scoop cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice into each bowl.
- Add a generous layer of the cooked chicken on top of the grains.
- Layer in the fresh vegetables: cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and lettuce.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint. Add any optional toppings like pickled onions or olives if desired.