The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a flavorful and wholesome dish that brings the rich tastes of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table. Combining tender marinated chicken with fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, and a hearty base, this bowl offers a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious.
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or hung curd
1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2–3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2–3/4 teaspoon allspice powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 pinches cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
2–3 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
Salt, to taste
For Cooking:
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
Pita bread or any flatbread
Hummus
Balela Salad (Middle Eastern bean salad)
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the sliced chicken and mix well to ensure it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Assemble the Bowl: Warm the pita bread or flatbread. Spread a layer of hummus on the bread. Top with the cooked chicken pieces. Add Balela Salad on the side or as a topping. Optionally, include additional toppings like sliced onions, tomatoes, pickled turnips or cucumbers, lettuce, and a drizzle of garlic mayo. Roll up the bread tightly if making a wrap, or serve open-faced as a bowl. For added flavor, you can grill the assembled wrap for 1–2 minutes.
This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is versatile and can be customized to your preference. Pair it with sides like tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, or a simple cucumber-yogurt salad. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep for the week.
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Calories: Approximately 500–600 kcal
Protein: 35–40g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 25–30g
Fiber: 5–7g
This dish is high in protein, providing sustained energy, and includes healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt. The inclusion of fresh vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced and nutritious meal option.