Easy Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Name: Easy Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground paprika; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup tahini sauce; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: World Flavor Adventures

I love how this Easy Chicken Shawarma Bowl brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right into my kitchen. The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The best part is how quick and simple it is to prepare. With just a little prep and a few minutes of cooking, I can create a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. Trust me, this bowl is a game-changer for busy weeknights!

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:41:35.661Z

When I first tried making a Chicken Shawarma Bowl at home, I was amazed by how easy it was to replicate that vibrant street food flavor. I marinated the chicken overnight in a blend of spices, which made the cooking process even quicker and the results so much more flavorful. Using a hot skillet to sear the chicken gives it a beautiful char, adding depth to the dish.

I also experimented with the toppings, incorporating fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce, which adds a creamy contrast to the savory chicken. The balance of textures and tastes in this bowl is simply unbeatable, making it a perfect meal for sharing or just treating myself!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices
Fresh veggies add crunch and color
Creamy tahini dressing brings everything together

Preparing Your Chicken

The key to achieving juicy chicken in this shawarma bowl lies in the marination process. The combination of olive oil and spices not only flavors the meat but also keeps it moist during cooking. When marinating, aim for at least 30 minutes. However, if time permits, let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. This will deepen the flavor and enhance the tender texture, making each bite truly satisfying.

When you're ready to cook, ensure your skillet is hot enough—medium-high heat is ideal. This high temperature will give the chicken a nice char while sealing in the juices. Aim for a golden-brown crust, which indicates that it's cooked properly. Flip the chicken only once or twice during cooking to allow for even browning, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Crafting the Perfect Tahini Sauce

The creamy tahini sauce is an essential element that ties all the components of your shawarma bowl together. To achieve the best texture, whisk the tahini with a little water until it's smooth and pourable; this will prevent it from being overly thick or clumpy. Adding lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps to cut through the richness of the tahini. Adjust the tartness to your preference by varying the amount of lemon juice you use.

If you're looking for extra flavor in your tahini sauce, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of cayenne pepper for a kick. For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter or almond butter if nut allergies are a concern, though the flavor will differ slightly. Store leftover tahini sauce in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week.

Storing and Serving Ideas

One of the best aspects of this Easy Chicken Shawarma Bowl is its adaptability for meal prep. You can prepare all components—chicken, grains, and veggies—up to three days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and when it’s time to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Fresh veggies don't need reheating; just toss them on top for that crunchy texture.

For variations, consider incorporating additional toppings such as pickled vegetables, olives, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. You could also swap out the rice or quinoa for a base of cauliflower rice to make it lower in carbs. To serve, arrange all ingredients in a large bowl for a family-style dish, encouraging everyone to customize their own shawarma bowl, which adds an element of fun to dinner!

Ingredients

Chicken Shawarma

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Bowl Assembly

4 cups cooked rice or quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup tahini sauce
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and charred. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Assemble the Bowls

In bowls, layer the cooked rice or quinoa, followed by the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding pickled vegetables or hummus to your bowls. You can also swap out the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian option!

Ingredient Insights

The use of boneless skinless chicken thighs in this recipe is significant; they are more forgiving than chicken breasts, providing richer flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you could substitute chicken with lamb or even tofu for a vegetarian version, ensuring to adjust cooking times as necessary. Each protein will bring its unique flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on dietary preferences.

Equally important are the spices—cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon—each offering depth and warmth to the dish. Freshness is key; ground spices can lose potency over time, so consider grinding whole spices just before use for an optimum flavor boost. It’s worth investing in good-quality spices, as they are the backbone of this Middle Eastern-inspired dish.

Customizing Your Bowl

The classic flavors in this chicken shawarma bowl are versatile, allowing for plenty of customization. If you enjoy heat, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the dish nicely. You might also consider toppings like crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy finish—both will enhance the Mediterranean vibe of the meal.

For a grain-free option, replace the rice or quinoa with a base of mixed greens or even a bed of spiralized vegetables. This will not only reduce carbohydrates but also contribute additional colors and textures to the bowl. Such modifications can make it more nutrient-dense and cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be drier. Make sure not to overcook them.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in advance and prepare the bowls for easy meals throughout the week.

→ What can I substitute for tahini?

You can substitute tahini with yogurt or a nut butter for a different flavor profile.