The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine that brings together the marinated, spiced chicken served over a bed of rice and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Pita bread, for serving (optional)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until well blended.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they're well coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
While the chicken is marinating, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the garlic sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
To assemble the Chicken Shawarma Bowl, place a serving of rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the sliced shawarma chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red cabbage, and fresh herbs.
Drizzle the garlic sauce over the top and serve with pita bread on the side if desired.
