Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
Craving shawarma but don’t feel like chasing down a food truck? This Chicken Shawarma Bowl brings all the bold, Middle Eastern flavors straight to your kitchen. Juicy, spiced chicken thighs meet fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a creamy garlic sauce—because bland food is unacceptable. It’s healthy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to throw together. No need for a giant rotating spit—just a hot pan and some good seasoning. This dish proves you can have restaurant-level shawarma at home without spending a fortune or waiting in line. So, let’s make your dinner way more exciting than a sad salad.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
Spiced chicken thighs served over rice with veggies and garlic sauce. A homemade, hassle-free twist on a classic street food favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional for spice
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta optional but delicious
For the Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tahini optional, but adds depth
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices in a bowl. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and tahini in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide rice between bowls. Add cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and feta. Top with sliced chicken.
- Drizzle & Devour: Spoon garlic sauce over everything. Enjoy immediately before someone tries to steal a bite.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Without Feta)
- Calories: ~420
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin B6: 40%
- Iron: 15%
- Potassium: 20%
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Magnesium: 18%
Extra Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Marinate overnight for the most flavorful chicken.
- Use chicken thighs, not breasts. They stay juicier and taste better.
- Grill it if possible. The smoky flavor makes it even better.
- Swap the rice for cauliflower rice if you’re feeling low-carb.
- Extra sauce? Use it as a dip for pita or veggies.
