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A vibrant chicken shawarma bowl with fresh vegetables and sauces

Classic Chicken Shawarma Bowl

This classic chicken shawarma bowl features perfectly seasoned chicken, a creamy tahini yogurt sauce, and fresh vegetables served over a bed of rice or quinoa for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet or grill pan

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground coriander
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 0.25 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tahini Yogurt Sauce

  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsp water or more, to reach desired consistency
  • Salt to taste

For Serving

  • Cooked basmati rice or quinoa
  • Chopped cucumber
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Pita bread or naan, warmed (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  • Combine sliced chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and all spices in a bowl; toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours, to allow flavors to meld.

Prepare the Tahini Yogurt Sauce

  • Whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water until smooth. Add more water if needed for a drizzly consistency, then season with salt and store in the refrigerator.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the marinated chicken in a single layer for 5-7 minutes. Flip occasionally until the chicken is cooked through, lightly browned, and slightly charred.

Assemble the Bowls

  • Divide cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls, then top with the cooked shawarma chicken, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and sliced red onion.

Garnish and Serve

  • Drizzle generously with Tahini Yogurt Sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately, optionally with warm pita bread or naan.

Notes

For an extra kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. If you don't have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh is always recommended for the best flavor.