Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken shawarma bowl is bursting with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. It’s highly customizable—perfect for using up leftover veggies or switching out grains. With the combination of savory marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing like hummus or tzatziki, every bite is a flavor-packed experience. Great for meal prep, this dish is also gluten-free and naturally nutritious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground cardamom
- Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Red chili flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken breasts and/or boneless chicken thighs
For the bowl:
- Yellow rice or quinoa
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Iceberg or romaine lettuce
- Olives (optional)
- Your choice of dressing (hummus, tahini, cilantro yogurt, or tzatziki)
Optional toppings:
- Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower)
- Crumbled or cubed feta cheese
- Sliced almonds
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Score the chicken breasts/thighs and coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. Optional: toss with lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Rice/Quinoa: Prepare yellow rice or quinoa and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of rice or quinoa. Add sliced chicken, vegetables, and toppings. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy warm or chilled as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marination)
Variations
- Grain Options: Substitute rice with quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Extra Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Wrap Version: Use pita or flatbread to turn it into a wrap instead of a bowl.
Storage/Reheating
Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add fresh veggies just before serving to keep them crisp. The chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make chicken shawarma bowls ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Cook the components in advance and store them separately for best freshness.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
What’s the best dressing for a shawarma bowl?
Popular options include hummus, tahini, tzatziki, or a cilantro yogurt dressing.
Can I use only chicken breasts?
Yes, but a mix of chicken breasts and thighs offers juicier results.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour is ideal, but overnight marination provides the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the grains and dressings used are gluten-free.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes, adjust cayenne pepper and red chili flakes to increase heat.
What vegetables go best in this bowl?
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, onion, lettuce, olives, and roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini work great.
Can I use store-bought shawarma spice?
Yes, a quality shawarma spice blend can be used if you’re short on time.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Let the chicken rest after cooking and avoid overbaking. A meat thermometer helps ensure doneness without overcooking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is your go-to for a flavorful, healthy, and customizable meal. With aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and satisfying grains, it’s a perfect option for both meal prep and weeknight dinners. Once you try it, this will surely be a regular on your menu rotation.
Print
Chicken Shawarma Bowl
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a bold, Middle Eastern-inspired meal packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep. Featuring marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and your choice of grains, it’s a customizable, gluten-free recipe ideal for healthy lunches or quick dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Minced garlic
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Ground cardamom
Cayenne pepper
Smoked paprika
Red chili flakes
Salt and pepper
Chicken breasts and/or boneless chicken thighs
For the Bowl:
Yellow rice or quinoa
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion
Iceberg or romaine lettuce
Olives (optional)
Hummus, tahini, tzatziki, or cilantro yogurt dressing
Optional Toppings:
Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower)
Crumbled or cubed feta cheese
Sliced almonds
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Mix well.
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Marinate the Chicken: Score the chicken, coat in marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).
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Cook the Chicken: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until cooked through. Rest, then slice thinly.
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Prepare the Veggies: Chop cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce. Optional: toss with lemon juice and seasoning.
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Cook the Grain: Prepare yellow rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
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Assemble the Bowl: Layer grains, sliced chicken, veggies, and toppings in a bowl.
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Finish with Dressing: Drizzle with hummus, tzatziki, tahini, or cilantro yogurt dressing.
Notes
Protein Swap: Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes and cayenne to control heat.
Grains: Try couscous or cauliflower rice as alternatives.
Wrap it Up: Stuff ingredients into pita or flatbread for a handheld option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
