Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Garlic Sauce and Lemon Herb Rice

Chicken Shawarma Bowls Recipe | Chicken Shawarma Bowl With Garlic Sauce
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 550
Description

This Turkish-inspired chicken shawarma bowl is a high protein, gluten-free meal that blends together tender spiced chicken, zesty lemon herb rice, fresh veggies, and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for lunch or dinner and is ready in 50 minutes.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Marinade and Shawarma
  • 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are preferred for extra juiciness)
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp of ground cumin
  • 1 tsp of ground coriander
  • 1 tsp of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley for garnish
  • 1 tbsp of plain yogurt (optional for extra tenderness)
  • 1/2 tsp of sumac (optional, for tang)
    • For the Lemon Herb Rice
  • 2 cups of basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed thoroughly
  • 3 cups of water or low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 tsp of salt (if you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint (optional for extra freshness)
    • For the Fresh Vegetable Medley
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil (optional for dressing)
  • 1 tsp of red wine vinegar (optional for dressing)
  • 1/2 tsp of salt (optional for dressing)
    • For the Garlic Sauce
  • 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative (for a creamier texture)
  • 3 cloves of garlic, grated or very finely minced
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
    Marinating the Chicken
  1. 1
    Prep the Chicken
    • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
  2. 2
    Mix the Marinade
    • In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, yogurt (if using), cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
    • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. 3
    Marinate the Chicken
    • Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
    4. Preparing the Lemon Herb Rice
  4. 4
    Rinse the Rice
    • Rinse the basmati or jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
    • This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
  5. 5
    Cook the Rice
    • In a medium saucepan, pour and heat the olive oil for about 1 minute, then add the rice and water (or chicken broth for added flavor) and a pinch of salt.
    • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 to 18 minutes (or according to the rice package instructions) until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  6. 6
    Fluff and Flavor
    • Once cooked, remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
    • Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and mint (if using).
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
    7. Grilling the Chicken
  7. 7
    Preheat the Grill
    • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (400°F).
    • Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  8. 8
    Grill the Chicken
    • Place the marinated chicken on the grill.
    • Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are slightly charred for that smoky flavor.
  9. 9
    Rest and Slice the Chicken
    • Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
    • Slice the chicken thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
    10. Assembling the Fresh Vegetable Medley
  10. 10
    Prepare the Vegetables
    • While grilling the chicken, wash and chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and avocado (if using).
  11. 11
    Mix or Serve Separately
    • You can either toss these vegetables together in a bowl with a light dressing (olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper) or keep them separate to maintain distinct textures and flavors in your bowl.
    12. Making the Garlic Sauce
  12. 12
    Combine Ingredients
    • In a small bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  13. 13
    Mix Well
    • Stir until the garlic sauce is smooth.
    • If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
  14. 14
    Chill the Garlic Sauce
    • For an extra refreshing taste, cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
    15. Assembling Your Chicken Shawarma Bowl
  15. 15
    Base Layer
    • Spoon a generous portion of lemon herb rice into the bottom of a bowl.
  16. 16
    Add the Vegetables
    • Arrange the fresh vegetable medley over the rice.
  17. 17
    Top with Chicken
    • Place the grilled chicken slices on top of the vegetables.
  18. 18
    Drizzle the Sauce
    • Finish by drizzling the garlic sauce over the bowl.
    • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sumac or toasted nuts if desired.
  19. 19
    Serve ImmediatelyGrilled Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl Recipe
    • Enjoy your Turkish grilled chicken shawarma bowl while warm.
    • It’s perfect as a filling lunch or dinner.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1 Bowl

Amount Per Serving
Calories 550kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 100mg34%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 350mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 4g
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 900 IU
Vitamin C 20 mg
Calcium 100 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
  • Properly rinsing rice is essential for that perfect, fluffy texture.
  • A hot grill ensures those desirable char marks and locks in the juices.
  • Use your favorite seasonal vegetables to add extra crunch and nutrition.
  • If your garlic sauce is too thick, a splash of water can help achieve the ideal consistency.
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Read it online: https://tinakitchen.com/recipe/chicken-shawarma-bowl-with-garlic-sauce/
Chef Tina | Tina Kitchen
Chef Tinah
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Chef Tina, a full time food blogger and travel enthusiast. My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned that food is more than just a meal; it’s a story. Now, I share delicious and easy recipes to inspire your kitchen adventures.

We hope you enjoy making this recipe.

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