Chicken Shawarma Bowl

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, then you’ll absolutely adore this Chicken Shawarma Bowl! This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Imagine tender, spiced chicken nestled on a bed of fluffy quinoa and vibrant veggies—all drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests at a family gathering. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become one of your go-to meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious Chicken Shawarma Bowl any day of the week.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome grains, it’s a nutritious choice that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: The delightful flavors will please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week without any fuss.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for your Chicken Shawarma Bowl. These ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful.

For the Chicken

• 3-4 chicken breasts (boneless/skinless, cut into small bite-sized cubes)
• 1 teaspoon Ras El Hanout seasoning (or shawarma seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 small white onion (sliced)

For the Quinoa

• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 1.5 cups water

For the Salad

• 1 small red onion
• 1 small yellow bell pepper
• 3 garden cucumbers (about 1 cup chopped)
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (different colors if desired)
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped curly parsley

Variations

This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is super flexible! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or tofu if you prefer a different source of protein.
• Change up the grains: Substitute quinoa with brown rice or couscous for an exciting twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to amp up the flavor!

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first—season those chicken breast pieces! This step is crucial because it infuses each bite with delicious flavor. Mix together 1 teaspoon Ras El Hanout seasoning (or shawarma seasoning), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly with these spices.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat up a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil along with your sliced white onion. Sauté until they become translucent; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Cooking the onions until they’re soft enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the onions are ready, it’s time to add in that seasoned chicken! Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes should do it. Once cooked, set aside on a plate; this step can be done ahead of time if you’re meal prepping!

Step 4: Prepare the Quinoa

Now let’s get that quinoa cooking! Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove its natural coating and prevents bitterness. Drain well before adding it to a pot.

Step 5: Boil the Quinoa

Add 1.5 cups of water and about two-thirds of a teaspoon of kosher salt to the pot with quinoa. Turn up the heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until all liquid is absorbed and little tails appear—this typically takes about 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Chop Your Veggies

While that quinoa cooks away nicely, chop up your salad ingredients! Dice one small red onion, one yellow bell pepper, three garden cucumbers, and one cup of grape or cherry tomatoes. Combine these colorful veggies in a bowl; they add both crunch and freshness to your meal.

Step 7: Dress Your Salad

Next up is making that zesty salad dressing! Add juice from one lemon along with two tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil), a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground pepper into the bowl with your chopped veggies. Toss everything together so each piece gets coated nicely.

Step 8: Fluff Your Quinoa

Once your quinoa is done cooking, fluff it gently with a fork and let it cool slightly before assembling your bowls.

Step 9: Assemble Your Bowls

To put everything together beautifully, start by adding quinoa as your base in serving bowls. Layer on top generous portions of chicken shawarma followed by that vibrant salad mix beside it.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touches

For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to drizzle some additional lemon juice over the chicken shawarma before serving!

And there you have it—a delightful Chicken Shawarma Bowl that’s sure to satisfy both your taste buds and hunger! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Creating the perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a breeze when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors of your dish and contribute to a more vibrant presentation. Fresh produce is always more flavorful, making your bowl even more delicious.
• Marinate the chicken: For an even tastier experience, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in juicier and more aromatic chicken.
• Cook quinoa properly: Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove its natural coating, which can leave a bitter taste. This simple step ensures that your quinoa will be light and fluffy, providing a perfect base for your bowl.
• Add variety to your salad: Feel free to mix in other veggies or even fruits like pomegranate seeds or diced avocado. This not only adds color but also introduces different textures and flavors that can elevate the dish.
• Experiment with dressings: While lemon juice and olive oil are classic options, try adding tahini or yogurt-based dressings for extra creaminess. A drizzle of tahini can add depth while keeping everything plant-based!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Serving your Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley or cilantro on top to brighten up the dish.
• Sliced radishes: Adding thinly sliced radishes brings a crunchy texture and a pop of color, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
• Lemon wedges: Including lemon wedges on the side not only looks appealing but also allows everyone to add an extra burst of freshness as they like.

Side Dishes

• Hummus: A smooth hummus pairs perfectly with this bowl, offering a creamy texture that complements the chicken and salad beautifully. Serve it with pita chips for dipping!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots add warmth and earthiness to your meal, rounding out the flavors nicely.
• Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad made from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, and lemon juice adds a wonderful zing that enhances the Mediterranean theme of your Chicken Shawarma Bowl.
• Stuffed grape leaves: These delightful little bites are filled with rice and herbs, making them a great finger food side that ties beautifully into Middle Eastern cuisine.

Enjoy crafting your Chicken Shawarma Bowls, experimenting with flavors, and sharing them with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, making it a breeze to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken shawarma and quinoa in airtight containers.
• Keep the salad separate from the chicken and quinoa to maintain freshness.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the chicken and quinoa to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Frozen chicken shawarma bowls can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen containers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat chicken and quinoa in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, about 2-3 minutes on high.
• If using a stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in my Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make my Chicken Shawarma Bowl gluten-free?

To ensure your Chicken Shawarma Bowl is gluten-free, simply verify that your quinoa is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients listed should naturally be gluten-free as well!

What is the best way to serve Chicken Shawarma Bowls?

Serve your Chicken Shawarma Bowl fresh with all components layered beautifully. Drizzle extra lemon juice or a tahini sauce over the top for added flavor!

Is this Chicken Shawarma Bowl healthy?

Yes! This bowl is packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and whole grains from quinoa, making it a nutritious choice.

Can I meal prep my Chicken Shawarma Bowl for an entire week?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well when prepared ahead of time. Just keep components separate until ready to eat for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Chicken Shawarma Bowl as much as I do! It’s a wholesome meal that brings together vibrant flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for busy weeknights, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!