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Chicken shawarma rice bowl
Nawaal Ahmed

Easy Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Mediterranean Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl with Fresh Veggies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle-Eastern
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • lb boneless skinless chicken thighs 680 g
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 30 ml
  • 2 tsp ground cumin 4 g
  • tsp smoked paprika 3 g
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 g
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom 1 g
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 g
  • 1 tsp kosher salt 5 g
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (6 g)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 15 ml
  • cups uncooked basmati or jasmine rice 300 g
  • 3 cups water 720 ml
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (150 g)
  • 1 cup cucumber diced (150 g)
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced (70 g)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (10 g)
  • ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt 180 g
  • 1 tbsp tahini 15 ml
  • 1 tsp honey 5 ml

Method
 

  1. Combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, salt, garlic, and lemon juice in a large bowl to create a fragrant spice marinade.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and toss until every piece is well coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes so the spices penetrate the meat.
  4. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  5. Cook the rice in a pot with water over medium heat until tender and fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until browned on the outside and fully cooked inside, releasing a rich, smoky aroma.
  7. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized strips once slightly cooled.
  8. In a small bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
  9. Divide the warm rice into serving bowls, creating a soft and fluffy base for the toppings.
  10. Arrange sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley over the rice, then drizzle generously with the creamy yogurt sauce.

Notes

Protein: 38 g

Carbohydrates: 46 g

Fat: 20 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sugar: 5 g

Sodium: 520 mg