Name: Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or use chicken thighs or a mix); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tbsp seven spice; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1/2 lemon’s juice; 1/2 cup toom (prepared garlic sauce); 1/2 lemon’s juice; Sprinkle of salt; 1 tsp dried mint; Water, as needed to thin out; 1 cup jasmine rice, soaked and rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp salt; Lettuce, shredded; Tomatoes, diced; Arabic pickled cucumbers, diced; Red onions, thinly sliced; Batata Harra (spiced potatoes) – optional; Hummus – optional; Arabic salad, Tahini salad, or Fattoush salad – optional

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that whisks your taste buds straight to the Middle East, look no further than this Chicken Shawarma Bowl. Combining succulent marinated chicken with fragrant turmeric rice and fresh, crisp veggies, this dish is a delightful harmony of textures and spices. Every bite bursts with warmth and zest, making the Chicken Shawarma Bowl an irresistible, wholesome choice for lunch or dinner that’s both comforting and exciting.

Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to creating an authentic and mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma Bowl. Each component brings its own unique flair, whether it’s the warming spices in the marinade or the refreshing crunch from fresh veggies.

Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless (2 lbs): Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking and perfect marinade absorption.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Helps keep the chicken juicy while adding richness to the marinade.
Salt (1.5 tsp): Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors.

Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle heat to balance the spices.
Cumin (2 tsp): A classic shawarma spice giving an earthy depth to the chicken.

Seven Spice (1 tbsp): A fragrant blend that lends warmth and complexity to the marinade.
Smoked Paprika (2 tsp): Brings smoky notes that give the dish an irresistible aroma.
Turmeric (1 tsp plus 1 tsp for rice): Imparts a golden color and subtle flavor throughout the dish.

Chili Powder (1 tsp): Adds a little kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): A hint of sweetness that rounds out the spice profile.
Garlic Powder (1 tbsp): Boosts the savory notes to a whole new level.

Lemon Juice (1/2 lemon, twice): Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken and garlic sauce.
Toom (garlic sauce) (1/2 cup): You can find this at Middle Eastern markets or stores like Whole Foods; it’s creamy and tangy, perfect for drizzling.
Dried Mint (1 tsp): Adds a refreshing herbal touch to the garlic sauce.

Water: To thin out the garlic sauce just right.
Jasmine Rice (1 cup): Soaked and rinsed to ensure fluffy, fragrant grains.
Vegetable Broth (2 cups): Used to cook the rice, layering in extra flavor.

Salt (1 tsp for rice): Brings out the natural sweetness of the rice.
Lettuce, shredded: Adds a fresh and crisp texture to the bowl.
Tomatoes, diced: Juicy and vibrant, they brighten every bite.

Arabic Pickled Cucumbers, diced: Found in Arab stores, these introduce a tangy crunch.
Red Onions, thinly sliced: Sharp and slightly sweet, perfect for contrast.
Batata Harra (spiced potatoes) (optional): For those who want an extra layer of spice and texture.

Hummus (optional): Creamy and rich, an ideal addition to complement the chicken.
Salads (Arabic, Tahini, or Fattoush): Check my website for recipes to bring freshness and variety to this bowl.

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing together all the spices, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the perfect marinade. Toss your chicken cubes in this aromatic blend until they are fully coated. Marinating the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight if possible, allows the bold flavors to penetrate deeply, creating that signature shawarma taste we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

While your chicken marinates, soak and rinse your jasmine rice to get rid of excess starch. Then, in a pot, combine the rice with vegetable broth, turmeric, and salt, bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender and fragrant. This turmeric rice offers a vibrant base and gentle earthiness to complement the rich chicken.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

Next, mix the toom (garlic sauce) with fresh lemon juice, dried mint, salt, and a touch of water to thin it out just enough for drizzling. If you can’t find toom, don’t fret—mix plain yogurt with crushed garlic, lemon juice, dried mint, and a little water or tahini for a creamy, garlicky alternative that brightens the bowl wonderfully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a nonstick skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken cubes carefully into the pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure they get a beautiful sear. Cook for around 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Properly seared chicken brings incredible flavor and texture to your Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Start with a generous scoop of turmeric rice as your base. Layer on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions for freshness and crunch. Add the perfectly cooked chicken on top, then drizzle with that luscious garlic sauce. If you want, mix in some batata harra or hummus and a side salad for a fuller, more indulgent meal. Every element shines together making your Chicken Shawarma Bowl a star.

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of green color and fresh herbal brightness. A few extra lemon wedges on the side can brighten flavors further when squeezed just before eating. If you love heat, sprinkle some sumac or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warm kick that enlivens the entire bowl.

Side Dishes

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl pairs beautifully with traditional Middle Eastern sides like fattoush salad, Arabic salad, or a creamy tahini salad. These fresh, tangy options provide a perfect counterpart to the rich, spiced chicken. You can also add warm pita bread or spiced potatoes like batata harra to round out the experience with extra textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the Chicken Shawarma Bowl deconstructed so everyone can build their own. Arrange the rice, chicken, sauces, and veggies in separate bowls for an interactive meal. For a more elegant presentation, layer ingredients in a clear glass bowl or jar to showcase the vibrant colors and textures, making the dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep their textures fresh. Combined leftovers can become soggy, so keeping them separate preserves that beautiful sear on the chicken and fluffiness of the rice. Use within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and taste.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and rice portions individually in freezer-safe containers or bags. This makes for an easy grab-and-go meal later on. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring you don’t lose any of those vibrant shawarma flavors.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating the garlic sauce; instead, add it fresh after reheating to keep its creamy texture and zingy flavor bright.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy, which makes them an excellent alternative or mix to chicken breast for your Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

What is Toom, and can I substitute it?

Toom is a Middle Eastern garlic sauce with a creamy and tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, a simple garlic yogurt sauce with lemon juice and dried mint works perfectly as a substitute.

Is the Chicken Shawarma Bowl spicy?

The dish has warm and aromatic spices but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference or add spicy garnishes for extra kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegan version, swap the chicken for spiced grilled vegetables or marinated tofu and use a dairy-free garlic sauce. The rice and fresh toppings provide a great base for a plant-based meal.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least one hour is ideal to develop the flavors, but overnight will give you the deepest taste and most tender chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling together a homemade Chicken Shawarma Bowl that’s full of layers, texture, and bold Middle Eastern flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekday dinner or sharing it with friends, it’s bound to become a much-loved go-to recipe. So grab your spices and get cooking — your perfect bowl of shawarma goodness awaits!