Chicken Shawarma Bowl

The warm, smoky flavors of the chicken shawarma are the star of this bowl, and it’s hard not to get excited as you take that first bite. The spices—paprika, cumin, turmeric, and a hint of cinnamon—come together in a way that’s both comforting and a little exotic. As the tender chicken hits your taste buds, you can taste the marinade’s deep complexity, with each spice adding its own touch to the mix. The char from the grill (or a hot skillet, if that’s what you’ve got) brings an irresistible smoky note that lingers, making each bite more crave-worthy than the last.

And it’s not just the chicken that makes this bowl so special. The combination of fresh, crisp vegetables and warm grains (or rice, or couscous, whichever you prefer) provides the perfect balance of textures. The crunch of cucumbers, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, and the cool, creamy tang of tahini sauce all come together to complement the rich and savory chicken. It’s like a dance of flavors and textures that keeps your taste buds engaged from the first forkful to the last. And let’s not forget the little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—whether it’s parsley or cilantro—bringing a bright pop of freshness that ties everything together beautifully.

It’s a meal that’s comforting enough for a cozy dinner at home, but also vibrant enough to feel like a celebration. Plus, it’s completely customizable! Add a drizzle of extra tahini, a few extra slices of pickled onions, or even a bit of feta if you’re feeling adventurous. This chicken shawarma bowl is all about making it your own and savoring every moment of flavor.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Each ingredient in this chicken shawarma bowl plays a crucial role in bringing out the bold, vibrant flavors that make this dish unforgettable. From the smoky, spiced chicken to the creamy, tangy tahini sauce, every element is carefully chosen to balance out the richness and freshness. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this meal so special:

• Chicken Breasts: The tender, juicy chicken forms the heart of this dish. Marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection, it provides a flavorful, savory base for the bowl.
• Olive Oil: Used for marinating the chicken and grilling it, olive oil helps bring all the spices together while adding a hint of richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cumin: One of the signature spices in shawarma, cumin adds an earthy, warm, and slightly smoky flavor that gives depth to the marinade.
• Ground Coriander: This citrusy spice brightens the mix, adding a touch of sweetness and a mild, aromatic freshness to the chicken.
• Ground Paprika: Paprika gives the dish its signature red color and brings a subtle smokiness and mild heat to the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• Ground Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the other spices beautifully.
• Ground Cinnamon: A surprising but welcome addition, cinnamon brings warmth and a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory spices in the marinade.
• Ground Allspice: This spice adds a warm, sweet, and peppery flavor that’s reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon, enhancing the richness of the chicken.
• Ground Garlic: Garlic is a must in shawarma; it lends a sharp, aromatic undertone that enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Ground Ginger: A bit of zing from ginger adds a refreshing, spicy note that rounds out the earthy flavors of the other spices.
• Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the marinade, giving the chicken a bit of kick.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together, salt balances out the spices and enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: The tangy brightness of lemon juice helps cut through the richness of the chicken, bringing a refreshing contrast to the flavors.
• Plain Yogurt: Yogurt is used to tenderize the chicken while adding a creamy tang to the marinade, creating a silky texture and balancing the spices.
• Cooked Rice: The base of the bowl, cooked rice (or couscous, if preferred), provides a neutral backdrop that allows the bold flavors of the chicken and toppings to shine.
• Cucumber, Diced: Crisp and cool, the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to each bite, complementing the spiced chicken.
• Tomato, Diced: The juicy, sweet tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and a hint of acidity, balancing out the richness of the chicken and tahini sauce.
• Red Onion, Thinly Sliced: The sharp, slightly sweet flavor of red onion adds a bit of crunch and a pop of color to the bowl.
• Parsley, Chopped: Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness that brightens up the dish and adds a beautiful color contrast.
• Tahini: This creamy sesame paste creates a rich, nutty sauce that brings a luxurious texture and flavor to the bowl, tying everything together.
• Lemon Juice (for tahini sauce): Just like the lemon in the marinade, this lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the tahini sauce, balancing the richness of the sesame paste.
• Water (for tahini sauce): Water thins out the tahini, turning it into a smooth and pourable sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and veggies.
• Garlic Powder (for tahini sauce): A dash of garlic powder gives the tahini sauce an extra punch of flavor, echoing the garlic in the chicken marinade.
• Salt (for tahini sauce): A pinch of salt in the tahini sauce helps bring out its natural flavors and ensures that the sauce complements the other ingredients in the bowl perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Shawarma Bowl

1. Add a Side of Warm Pita Bread

Pair your chicken shawarma bowl with warm, soft pita bread for a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal. Tear off pieces of pita and scoop up the chicken, veggies, and tahini sauce—it’s a comforting, hand-held experience that makes every bite feel like a little celebration.

2. Sprinkle with Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese

For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top. The creamy, tangy cheese adds a delightful contrast to the savory, spiced chicken and complements the fresh veggies with just the right amount of saltiness.

3. Top with Pickled Vegetables

If you’re a fan of a little extra zing, pile on some pickled vegetables—like tangy pickled red onions, cucumbers, or carrots. The sharpness of the pickles cuts through the richness of the tahini and adds a burst of brightness to the bowl. Plus, the crunch is always a nice touch!

How to Store Chicken Shawarma Bowl

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your chicken shawarma bowl properly is key to keeping all those flavors intact. The best way to store it is by separating the components to maintain the freshness of each part. First, remove any leftover chicken and veggies from the rice. Store the chicken in an airtight container and keep the veggies in another. This helps prevent the vegetables from getting soggy from the moisture in the chicken or rice.

For the tahini sauce, you can store it in a separate small container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it again, as it may thicken up a little after sitting. If you prefer, you can drizzle the sauce on your leftovers right before reheating to keep the flavors fresh.

When it comes to reheating, try to heat the chicken separately in a skillet or microwave. If using the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Then, just reassemble the bowl with your rice, veggies, and a fresh drizzle of tahini sauce when you’re ready to enjoy. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to savor your shawarma bowl for a few days without sacrificing taste!

Conclusion

And there you have it—the perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl that brings all those bold, smoky flavors straight to your kitchen. From the aromatic spices to the creamy tahini sauce, every bite is a journey that’s comforting, vibrant, and completely customizable. Whether you’re having it for a cozy dinner or sharing it with friends for a fun gathering, this dish is all about enjoying great flavors and making it your own.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create something delicious and bring a little taste of the Middle East to your table. If you decide to give it a try (which I hope you do!), I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, or any feedback. If you run into any hiccups along the way or want to chat about other variations, I’m here for it!

Happy cooking, and here’s to filling your kitchen with flavors that make you smile!

Print Recipe

Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Tender, spiced chicken marinated to perfection, served over a bed of fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and creamy tahini. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic, with a hint of smoky warmth that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1 tablespoon ground paprika

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 1 cup cooked rice

• ¹⁄₂ cup cucumber, diced

• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato, diced

• ¹⁄₄ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ¹⁄₄ cup parsley, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup tahini

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tahini sauce)

• 1 tablespoon water (for tahini sauce)

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder (for tahini sauce)

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt (for tahini sauce)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place them on a clean surface, and trim off any excess fat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground garlic, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and salt.
3. Add the olive oil and lemon juice to the spice mixture. Stir well to form a thick marinade.
4. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered on all sides.
5. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
6. While the chicken marinates, prepare the tahini sauce. In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic powder, and salt.
7. Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Set the sauce aside.
8. After the chicken has marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
9. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
10. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
11. While the chicken rests, prepare the other components of the bowl. Dice the cucumber, tomato, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
12. Chop the parsley into small pieces and set it aside.
13. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it into bowls as the base for each serving.
14. Thinly slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into strips and arrange them on top of the rice in each bowl.
15. Top the rice and chicken with the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and chopped parsley.
16. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring an even coating.
17. Serve the chicken shawarma bowls immediately, with extra tahini sauce on the side if desired.

Note

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor; longer marination is even better.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix.
• If you don’t have a grill pan, baking the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes works well.
• The tahini sauce can be thinned with more water or lemon juice depending on your desired consistency.

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