Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

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If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, consider making a chicken shawarma bowl. This dish is a popular street food in the Middle East, and for good reason – it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a chicken shawarma bowl from scratch, with tender and juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and a tangy tahini sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken shawarma bowl recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of marinated chicken, roasted vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce is a match made in heaven.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this recipe is adaptable and delicious.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can make a big batch of chicken and veggies on the weekend and then assemble the bowls throughout the week.

It’s also a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken shawarma bowl:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts , we use chicken breasts because they’re lean and easy to cook, but you can also use thighs if you prefer.

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt , the yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor.

2 cloves garlic, minced , garlic is a key ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to the chicken.

1 tablespoon olive oil , we use olive oil because it’s a healthy and flavorful option, but you can also use other oils like avocado or grapeseed.

1 teaspoon paprika , paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.

1 teaspoon cumin , cumin is a warm and earthy spice that pairs well with the other ingredients in this recipe.

1/2 teaspoon salt , we use salt to enhance the flavor of the chicken and bring out the other ingredients.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper , black pepper adds a nice kick to the chicken and helps to balance out the other flavors.

4-6 pita breads , we use pita breads because they’re a classic component of shawarma, but you can also use other types of bread or even lettuce wraps.

1 cup mixed veggies (such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes) , the veggies add natural sweetness and crunch to the dish.

1/4 cup tahini sauce , tahini sauce is a creamy and tangy condiment made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic.

1/4 cup pickled turnips (optional) , pickled turnips are a traditional topping for shawarma, and they add a nice tanginess and crunch to the dish.

1/4 cup sumac (optional) , sumac is a Middle Eastern spice that adds a nice tartness and flavor to the dish.

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional) , we use fresh herbs to add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Why These Ingredients

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a lean and versatile protein that work well in a variety of dishes. In this recipe, we marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices to make it tender and flavorful.

You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but breasts are a better option if you’re looking for a leaner protein.

When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them properly before using.

Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is a creamy and tangy condiment made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a key ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, and it adds a rich and nutty flavor to the chicken shawarma bowl.

You can make your own tahini sauce from scratch, or use store-bought sauce as a substitute.

When making tahini sauce, be sure to use high-quality sesame paste and fresh lemon juice. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, cumin, or paprika to give the sauce more flavor.

Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions. Here’s how to make a delicious chicken shawarma bowl:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken , In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and mix well to coat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies , Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the mixed veggies into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and lightly browned.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken , Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls , Warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and place it on top of the pita bread.

Add the roasted veggies, tahini sauce, pickled turnips, and sumac (if using). Top with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (if using).

How To Serve

Here are a few ideas for serving your chicken shawarma bowl:

Serve the bowl with a side of mixed greens or a simple green salad. The acidity of the greens will help to cut the richness of the tahini sauce and the chicken.

Offer a variety of toppings, such as pickled turnips, sumac, and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. This will allow everyone to customize their bowl to their taste.

Serve the bowl with a side of warm pita bread or crackers. This will help to soak up the juices and sauces from the chicken and veggies.

Consider serving the bowl at a casual dinner party or gathering. The flavors and ingredients are sure to impress your guests, and the bowls are easy to assemble and serve.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

You can store the chicken and veggies at room temperature for up to 2 hours. However, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent foodborne illness.

When storing the chicken and veggies, make sure to place them in a covered container and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Refrigerator

You can store the chicken and veggies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place them in a covered container and keep them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

When reheating the chicken and veggies, make sure to heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.

Freezer

You can store the chicken and veggies in the freezer for up to 2 months. Make sure to place them in a covered container or freezer bag and keep them at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When reheating the chicken and veggies, make sure to thaw them first and then heat them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.

Top Tips

Use High-Quality Ingredients

One of the most important things you can do to make a delicious chicken shawarma bowl is to use high-quality ingredients. This includes fresh and flavorful chicken, veggies, and spices.

When choosing ingredients, look for ones that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use store-bought ingredients like tahini sauce and pita bread to make the recipe easier and more convenient.

Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a key step in making a delicious chicken shawarma bowl. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor, making it more tender and juicy.

When marinating the chicken, make sure to use a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and spices. You can also add other ingredients like lemon juice or olive oil to give the marinade more flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making a chicken shawarma bowl is a fun and rewarding process that requires some basic cooking skills and ingredients. With these tips and instructions, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the flavors and ingredients of the Middle East!”

Print Recipe

Easy

Chicken Shawarma Bowl: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Author: Sarah Cooking Method: Grilled, Roasted Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Main Course Recipe Keys: B bowl C chicken H Healthy M meal S shawarma

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Temp: 220  C Servings: $10-$15 Calories: 420

Best Season: summer, spring

Dietary:

G Gluten-Free

Description

This chicken shawarma bowl recipe is a flavorful and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. With tender and juicy chicken, crispy veggies, and a tangy tahini sauce, you'll love the combination of ingredients and flavors in this dish. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of the Middle East!

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 ¹⁄₂ pounds boneless
• skinless chicken breasts
• ¹⁄₄ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic
• minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 pita breads
• 1 cup mixed veggies
• ¹⁄₄ cup tahini sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup pickled turnips (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ cup sumac (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425?F (220?C).
2. Cut the mixed veggies into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Warm the pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and place it on top of the pita bread. Add the roasted veggies, tahini sauce, pickled turnips, and sumac (if using). Top with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (if using).

Nutrition Facts

Servings $10-$15

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 400mg17%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 5g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 10 mg

Iron 15 mg

Vitamin E 10 IU

Vitamin K 20 mcg

Thiamin 10 mg

Riboflavin 10 mg

Niacin 20 mg

Vitamin B6 10 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 5 mcg

Biotin 5 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 10 mg

Phosphorus 20 mg

Iodine 5 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 10 mcg

Copper 5 mg

Manganese 5 mg

Chromium 5 mcg

Molybdenum 5 mcg

Chloride 10 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

You can customize the toppings to your taste, and feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you see fit. This recipe is also a great option for meal prep, as the chicken and veggies can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken shawarma bowl, healthy meal, Mediterranean cuisine, easy recipe