Chicken Shawarma Bowl Flavor (Printable View)
Spiced chicken, veggies, and garlic sauce served over grains for a vibrant, satisfying Middle Eastern meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1.1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Juice of 1 lemon
→ Garlic Sauce
13 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
14 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
15 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Bowl Assembly
18 - 1 cup cooked basmati rice or couscous
19 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
20 - 1 small cucumber, diced
21 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
22 - 2/3 cup shredded lettuce
23 - 1/2 cup pickled red cabbage (optional)
24 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
25 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
26 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken thighs, turning to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours refrigerated.
02 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook marinated chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until well charred and cooked through. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until needed.
04 - Prepare basmati rice or couscous according to package instructions.
05 - Divide cooked rice or couscous among four serving bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, shredded lettuce, and pickled red cabbage, if desired, over the grains. Drizzle with olive oil and garlic sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Uses accessible pantry spices for big flavor
- Offers plenty of colorful vegetables in each bowl
- Customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets
- Ready in under an hour even with marinating
02 -
- Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables
- Easy to turn into a meal prep or weeknight dinner
- Pickled cabbage adds another layer of crunch and tang
03 -
- Let chicken marinate as long as possible to build deeper flavor
- For perfect char, preheat your pan until very hot and avoid crowding the chicken
- Make extra garlic sauce because it also works as a dip for veggies or flatbread