Indulge in a flavorful Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl that's perfect for any meal! This delicious recipe features tender marinated chicken served over fluffy basmati rice, topped with a refreshing salad and a creamy yogurt-tahini drizzle. It's simple to make and is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and bring a taste of the Middle East to your dinner table tonight!
2 cups cooked basmati rice
1 lb boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon tahini
Fresh pita bread, for serving (optional)
![- 2 cups cooked basmati rice - 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons ground coriander - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup plain yogurt - 1 tablespoon tahini - Fresh pita bread, for serving (optional) The Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl needs some key ingredients. First, you must have basmati rice. It gives a nice base for the bowl. Then, you need chicken thighs. They are juicy and soak up flavors well. Olive oil helps the spices stick and adds great taste. Garlic adds depth, while spices like cumin and coriander bring warmth. Lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh veggies like cucumber and tomatoes add crunch. Red onion gives a nice bite and parsley adds color. Finally, yogurt and tahini create a creamy drizzle that ties it all together. This dish is hearty and balanced. The chicken gives protein, while rice provides carbs. Fresh veggies add fiber and vitamins. The yogurt offers calcium, making it a filling meal. To make this dish, you need a few tools. A medium bowl is great for mixing the marinade. Use a large skillet for cooking the chicken. A sharp knife helps with chopping veggies. Lastly, have measuring spoons and cups ready for accuracy. For the full recipe, refer to the Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl section. To start, we need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 2 teaspoons ground coriander - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon Mix these ingredients well. Now, take 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips, and add them to the marinade. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it marinate for 1-2 hours. This time helps the spices soak in. After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. The smell will be amazing as they cook. This step is key for getting that juicy flavor. While the chicken cooks, we can prepare the salad. In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Mix these ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Set the salad aside. This fresh salad adds color and crunch to your bowl, balancing the warm flavors of the chicken. Once everything is ready, layer your cooked basmati rice in a bowl, add the chicken on top, and spoon over the fresh salad mixture. Drizzle with yogurt and tahini for extra creaminess. Enjoy the burst of flavors! For the full recipe, check the details above. Marination makes a big difference in flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours. This gives the spices time to infuse and the chicken to become tender and juicy. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice golden brown color. Stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking. Typically, it takes about 5-7 minutes for the chicken to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F, ensuring it is safe to eat. A great bowl looks good and tastes great. Start with a base of fluffy basmati rice. Layer the chicken on top, then add a fresh salad mix. For a pop of color, drizzle the yogurt-tahini mix over it. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and bright cherry tomatoes. Use vibrant bowls for a fun touch. {{image_2}} If you want to change up the base, try using quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and packs in protein. It cooks similarly to rice, making it easy to swap. Just use the same amount of water when cooking. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option. You can make it by grating fresh cauliflower. Sauté it in olive oil for a few minutes until tender. This option makes your bowl lighter and keeps the focus on the chicken. To kick up the spice in your Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl, consider adding fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken. This adds a nice, slow heat that builds. Another fun option is to add harissa, a North African chili paste. Just a spoonful can transform your bowl. It gives a smoky flavor and a nice kick. For a vegetarian twist, use chickpeas instead of chicken. You can marinate them just like the chicken and roast until crispy. They’ll soak up all those great spices. If you want a vegan option, swap the yogurt for a plant-based yogurt. You can also use tahini as a creamy topping. Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for all the details! Store your Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. Ensure the chicken and salad are separated. This keeps the salad crisp. When you're ready to eat, take out the container. Heat the chicken and rice in the microwave. Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check if it’s hot all the way through. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. If you want to freeze your Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl, do it before adding the salad. Pack the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as usual. Enjoy your tasty meal later! For the full recipe and more details, check out the [Full Recipe]. You can use beef, lamb, or turkey. For a meat-free option, try chickpeas or tofu. These substitutes soak up the flavor well. If you use tofu, press it first to remove extra water. This makes it crispier when cooked. For beef or lamb, slice it thin for quick cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the yogurt and tahini mix. Instead, use a plant-based yogurt made from almond or coconut. You can also add avocado for creaminess. It gives a nice texture and flavor. Just mash it and drizzle it over the rice and chicken. This dish goes well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with hummus and warm pita bread. Try a tabbouleh salad for a bright, herb-filled side. Pickles or olives can add a nice tang. Each side brings out the flavors of the Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for other great pairings! In this blog post, I shared a detailed guide on making a Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize this dish with rice alternatives and vegan options. Remember, the right marination and cooking techniques make all the difference in flavor. I hope you enjoy creating this tasty meal at home. With practice, you will impress your friends and family with your skills. Happy cooking!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b022cd65-a37a-41af-9fbd-8734e438f230-250x250.webp)