Chicken Shawarma Bowls

When I think of comfort food, Chicken Shawarma Bowls instantly comes to mind. It’s one of those meals that can transport you straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East, filled with rich spices and bright flavors. I remember the first time I had shawarma; the aromatic spices and tender, juicy meat wrapped in warm pita was unlike anything I had ever tasted. Inspired by that experience, I decided to create my own version at home, and thus, the Chicken Shawarma Bowls were born. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or any time I crave something hearty yet fresh.

The beauty of Chicken Shawarma Bowls lies not only in its flavor but also in its customization. Whether you want to load it up with fresh veggies, drizzle it with tangy sauces, or keep it simple, the options are endless. I love making these bowls with my family, involving everyone in the assembly, and watching their eyes light up as they add their favorite toppings. It’s a delightful way to bring everyone together while enjoying a delicious meal that feels like a celebration.

Moreover, these bowls are not only delicious but also nutritious! With wholesome ingredients like chicken, rice, and a vibrant salad, you get a balanced meal in one dish. The creamy Greek yogurt combined with fresh herbs and zingy lemon juice brings everything together, making each bite satisfying. So, why not give this recipe a try? You might just find that the Chicken Shawarma Bowls become a new favorite in your home too!

What Goes Into Chicken Shawarma Bowls

The ingredients for Chicken Shawarma Bowls work together harmoniously, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also satisfying. The key players in this recipe include tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and fresh vegetables that add crunch and color. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall experience, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.

• Basmati Rice: 1 cup
• Water: 1 3/4 cups
• Salt: A pinch
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless
• Greek Yogurt: 4 tablespoons
• Lemon or Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
• Allspice or 7 Spice: ½ teaspoon
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Persian Cucumbers: 3-4, chopped
• Roma Tomatoes: 2, chopped
• Red Onion: 1/4, chopped
• Olives: 1/4 cup, of choice
• Minced Parsley: 2 tablespoons
• Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Hummus: For serving
• Shawarma White Sauce: For serving
• Feta Cheese: For serving
• Pickled Red Onion: For serving

Cooking Method for Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Ready to dive into the cooking method for Chicken Shawarma Bowls? It’s simple and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy this delightful meal in no time. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly cooked components that will make your bowls shine.

1. To cook the rice: Begin by washing the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This step is crucial, as it removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups of water and a pinch of salt, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice and give it a gentle stir. Wait until the water returns to a full boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps steam the rice, making it tender. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm until ready to serve.

2. While the rice is cooking, turn your attention to the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound them to make them thinner, which ensures even cooking. In a large bowl, add the chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and the spices. Mix everything together until well combined, allowing the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors. Heat a large, heavy-duty pan over high heat, then add the chicken mixture to the pan. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has a lovely golden color. Once cooked, rest the chicken for 5 minutes before cutting it into small bite-sized pieces or slices.

3. Now it’s time to assemble your Chicken Shawarma Bowls. In a medium bowl, combine all the fresh salad ingredients, including the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Mix well to combine. To create the bowls, take a serving bowl and place about 1/2 cup of the cooked rice at the bottom. Top it with the sliced shawarma chicken, the vibrant salad, a generous scoop of hummus, crumbled feta, pickled onion, and finish it off with a drizzle of shawarma white sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Helpful Notes about Chicken Shawarma Bowls

When making Chicken Shawarma Bowls, it’s essential to keep a few helpful notes in mind. Understanding the best practices can elevate your dish and make it even more enjoyable.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: These bowls are fantastic with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.
• Extra Spice: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a kick!
• Serving Temperature: Serve the bowls warm for the best flavor experience.

How to Enjoy Chicken Shawarma Bowls

Enjoying Chicken Shawarma Bowls is all about getting creative with your serving style. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• For a Festive Occasion: Create a shawarma bar at your next gathering where guests can build their own bowls with various toppings.
• Lunch at Work: Prepare the components in advance and pack them separately for a delicious lunch that’s easy to assemble.
• Seasonal Flavors: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted squash in the fall or fresh greens in the summer to keep things interesting.
• Quick Dinner Solution: Whip up these bowls as a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• For a Kid-Friendly Meal: Let kids assemble their bowls with their favorite toppings for a fun and interactive meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Shawarma Bowls are truly a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them a must-try for any meal enthusiast. With the tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant salad, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. I encourage you to give it a go and experience the deliciousness for yourself. It’s a dish that not only brings comfort but also a sense of adventure to your dining table!

Chicken Shawarma Bowls

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Shawarma Bowls combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe bursts with flavor and freshness!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Basmati Rice
• 1.75 cups Water
• pinch Salt
• 1.5 pounds Chicken Breasts or Thighs
• 4 tablespoons Greek Yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon or Lime Juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Allspice or 7 Spice
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3-4 Persian Cucumbers
• 2 Roma Tomatoes
• 0.25 Red Onion
• 0.25 cup Olives
• 2 tablespoons Minced Parsley
• 1 teaspoon Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• Hummus
• Shawarma White Sauce
• Feta Cheese
• Pickled Red Onion

Equipment

• Cast Iron Pan
• Serving Bowls

Method

 

1. To cook the rice: Begin by washing the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This step is crucial, as it removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups of water and a pinch of salt, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice and give it a gentle stir. Wait until the water returns to a full boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period helps steam the rice, making it tender. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm until ready to serve.
2. While the rice is cooking, turn your attention to the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound them to make them thinner, which ensures even cooking. In a large bowl, add the chicken, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and the spices. Mix everything together until well combined, allowing the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors. Heat a large, heavy-duty pan over high heat, then add the chicken mixture to the pan. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has a lovely golden color. Once cooked, rest the chicken for 5 minutes before cutting it into small bite-sized pieces or slices.
3. Now it’s time to assemble your Chicken Shawarma Bowls. In a medium bowl, combine all the fresh salad ingredients, including the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Mix well to combine. To create the bowls, take a serving bowl and place about 1/2 cup of the cooked rice at the bottom. Top it with the sliced shawarma chicken, the vibrant salad, a generous scoop of hummus, crumbled feta, pickled onion, and finish it off with a drizzle of shawarma white sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: These bowls are fantastic with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.
• Extra Spice: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a kick!
• Serving Temperature: Serve the bowls warm for the best flavor experience.

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Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.