Middle Eastern Shawarma Bowl (Print Version)

A hearty Middle Eastern bowl with chicken, rice, and tahini.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Shawarma

01 - 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tsp ground cumin
04 - 2 tsp ground coriander
05 - 1½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
07 - 1 tsp ground allspice
08 - 1 tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp chili powder
10 - 1½ tsp salt
11 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Rice

12 - 200 g 1 cup basmati rice
13 - 400 ml water
14 - ½ tsp salt

→ Tahini Sauce

15 - 80 g tahini sesame paste
16 - Juice of 1 lemon
17 - 2 tbsp water plus more as needed
18 - 1 clove garlic finely grated
19 - ½ tsp salt

→ Salad & Toppings

20 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
21 - 1 cucumber diced
22 - 1 small red onion thinly sliced
23 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
24 - ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
25 - 4 small pita breads optional

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a bowl, combine olive oil, all spices, salt, and lemon juice. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
02 - Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water until smooth and creamy. Add additional water, 1 tsp at a time, if thinner consistency is desired.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
05 - Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and parsley. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce. Serve with pita bread if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • This dish packs a punch of flavor while staying light and nourishing.
  • It's perfect for meal prep - just marinate ahead for a quick weeknight dinner.
02 -
  • It's essential to let the chicken marinate long enough; don't rush this step as it really enhances the flavor.
  • Adjust the tahini sauce based on your preference; some like it thicker, while others lean toward a more drizzle-friendly consistency.
03 -
  • To save time, prepare the tahini sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
  • A splash of yogurt can also enhance the sauce if you're looking for a dairy option.
Return