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Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 133 reviews

This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Enhanced with fresh vegetables, a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, and optional toppings like pickled onions and feta, this bowl offers a delicious and healthy meal inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bowl Assembly:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
  • Optional: pickled onions, turkey ham strips, olives, crumbled feta, lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, plain yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well blended. Add the chicken pieces and coat them completely with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours for best flavor absorption.
  2. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavors.
  3. Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice following package instructions until tender. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm while preparing other ingredients.
  4. Prepare the Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop fresh parsley or mint. Arrange the vegetables and herbs in separate bowls to streamline assembly later.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thighs may require slightly longer cooking time. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to ensure juices redistribute, then slice it into strips.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide warm cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce or mixed greens. Drizzle generously with the garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or mint. Add optional toppings such as pickled onions, turkey ham strips, olives, crumbled feta, and lemon wedges as desired for extra flavor and garnish.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate chicken for 2-4 hours, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier texture, or breasts for leaner protein.
  • The garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
  • Feel free to substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for different textures or dietary preferences.
  • Optional toppings like feta and olives add a Mediterranean twist, while pickled onions add a tangy crunch.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level or omit for milder taste.

Keywords: Chicken Shawarma, Middle Eastern Chicken, Shawarma Bowl, Garlic Yogurt Sauce, Healthy Chicken Bowl, Easy Chicken Marinade

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/chicken-shawarma-bowl-recipe/