Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Chicken Shawarma Bowl that's easy to create and packed with nutrition! Marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served over a bed of quinoa or rice with fresh veggies and creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this delicious dish!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked quinoa or fluffy rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, finely diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
½ cup tahini sauce for drizzling
Optional: pickled vegetables for a tangy garnish
![- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons ground paprika - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 cups cooked quinoa or fluffy rice For a perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl, the main ingredient is chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. The marinade brings out rich flavors. It contains olive oil, spices, garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Each component plays a key role in making the chicken tasty. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, finely diced - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped The fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. Cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch. Red onion gives a mild bite. I also like to add parsley for a bright finish. These veggies make the dish vibrant and healthy. - ½ cup tahini sauce for drizzling - Optional: pickled vegetables for a tangy garnish Tahini sauce is a must-have for this bowl. It adds creaminess and flavor. You can drizzle it generously over the chicken and grains. For an extra punch, add pickled vegetables. They offer a tangy contrast and elevate the taste. This combination of ingredients makes the Chicken Shawarma Bowl not just delicious but also fun to prepare. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. To start, gather your marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons ground paprika - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these together until smooth. This mix will give your chicken great flavor. Next, add the chicken thighs. Make sure they are coated well in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour. For the best taste, leave it overnight. When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Take the chicken from the fridge. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step ensures it is fully cooked. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Resting keeps it juicy. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips. Now it’s time to build your bowl. Start with a base. Use 2 cups of cooked quinoa or fluffy rice. Place it in each serving bowl. Next, arrange the sliced chicken on top of the grain. Add a mix of fresh veggies. Use: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, finely diced - ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped This makes your bowl look colorful and fresh. Finally, drizzle with ½ cup of tahini sauce. If you like tangy flavors, add pickled vegetables on top. Serve your Chicken Shawarma Bowl warm. Enjoy the burst of flavors! For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. Marinating chicken is key for great flavors. Always use a mix of oil, spices, and acid. For this recipe, lemon juice adds a nice zing. Make sure to coat the chicken fully in the marinade. Cover it tightly in the fridge. For the best taste, marinate for at least one hour. If you have time, marinate overnight for deeper flavor. You don’t have to grill your chicken if you prefer. You can use a skillet or oven instead. Just make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. Cook on medium heat to keep it juicy. Avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it moist. A well-arranged bowl is eye-catching and tasty. Start with a base of quinoa or rice. Lay the sliced chicken on top neatly. Add colorful veggies for a vibrant look. Sprinkle parsley for freshness and color. Drizzle tahini sauce generously over the top. For extra fun, add pickled vegetables on the side. Serve while warm for the best experience. Check the [Full Recipe] for more tips and steps! {{image_4}} You can easily change the Chicken Shawarma Bowl to fit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, use quinoa or rice as your base. Both are naturally gluten-free and perfect for this dish. You can also swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a vegan option. These proteins take on the marinade well, making them tasty. To add some kick, try a spicy twist! You can increase the cayenne pepper or add harissa. If you prefer herbs, use fresh dill or mint for a fragrant change. For sauces, tahini is classic, but you could use yogurt sauce or even hot sauce. Each choice can change the bowl's flavor profile and keep meals exciting. Feel free to explore other grains for your base. Farro, bulgur, or even couscous work great. Each grain adds a unique texture. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens. This makes the dish lighter and more refreshing. If you want something quick, wrap the ingredients in a flatbread. It makes for a fun and portable meal. After enjoying your Chicken Shawarma Bowl, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This helps keep your meal fresh for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the chicken and grains separately. Place them in freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. This way, they can last for up to three months. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. For chicken, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. For grains and vegetables, you can use the microwave. Place them in a bowl with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. To make meal prep easy, prepare ingredients in advance. Marinate the chicken the night before. Cook grains and chop vegetables ahead of time. Store them in separate containers. Use clear glass containers to see what you have. This helps you grab and go during busy days. You can mix and match for quick meals throughout the week. For a balanced bowl, add protein, grains, and fresh veggies. Chicken shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish. Its roots trace back to the Ottoman Empire. People enjoy this dish worldwide for its rich flavors. Shawarma uses marinated meat, typically grilled and served with toppings. The spices in shawarma include cumin, paprika, and turmeric. These spices add depth and warmth to the dish. Shawarma is often served in wraps or bowls, making it versatile. It symbolizes the blend of cultures and flavors in the region. To add more heat to your chicken shawarma, adjust the cayenne pepper. You can also add chili powder for extra spice. If you like it really hot, try adding sliced jalapeños. Mixing in a dash of hot sauce can also boost the flavor. Remember to taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat. You can start with a little spice and add more if needed. This way, you control the heat and enjoy every bite. Yes, you can prepare your chicken shawarma bowl ahead of time. Cooked chicken stays fresh in the fridge for about four days. Store your chicken and veggies separately to keep them fresh. You can also cook the grains in advance and store them. When you're ready to eat, just reheat your chicken and grains. This method saves time and makes meals easy. You can enjoy a delicious chicken shawarma bowl all week long with smart planning. To make your Chicken Shawarma Bowl, start with juicy marinated chicken thighs. Layer fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, then top with creamy tahini sauce. Remember, don’t skip the details—how you store and reheat leftovers matters! You can also try new flavors or bases to match your taste. This dish is versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy making it your own. Eating well can be fun and rewarding!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/506b58b9-a5f1-4a4e-8390-7267e6e82eb4-250x250.webp)