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Chicken Shawarma Bowls

A delightful fusion of marinated chicken, aromatic rice, and zesty yogurt sauce that captures the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500 g skinless chicken breast or tenderloins Tenderloins are more tender and cook quickly.
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil Extra virgin preferred for flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best for vibrant flavor.
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Greek yogurt works great for a creamy consistency.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sumac This tangy spice adds a unique flavor.
For the Rice
  • 1 cup jasmine rice For an aromatic base.
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric For color and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For Toppings
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 pieces cucumber pickles, diced
  • 2 pieces Lebanese cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, quartered

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. If using chicken breast, slice it into pieces roughly the same size as chicken tenderloins. Place the chicken in a bowl, add olive oil, minced garlic, all spices, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat thoroughly and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cover with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes, covered. Remove the lid and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Prepare the Rice
  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cool water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Make the Yogurt Sauce
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and sumac until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the fluffy rice among bowls and top with the succulent chicken. Add the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and diced pickles. Finish with a generous dollop of yogurt sauce on top.

Notes

Opt for fresh, organic ingredients when possible for the best flavor. Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days. The rice might lose some texture, but reheating with a splash of water can help.