Middle Eastern Chicken Bowl: Easy Shawarma Recipe!

Middle Eastern chicken bowl perfection is just around the corner. This vibrant bowl is a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that transport you straight to the heart of the Middle East. My grandmother, bless her soul, used to make a simplified version of something like this every week, and that memory is what inspired me to share this recipe with you. Creating this Middle Eastern chicken bowl is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a taste of the exotic without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

This Middle Eastern chicken bowl is a little bit of sunshine in a bowl. It’s incredibly comforting, especially on a chilly evening, but it’s also light and refreshing enough for a quick lunch during the warmer months. You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, especially if you prep some of the ingredients ahead of time.

The combination of tender, spiced chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a sensory explosion that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. I also love how versatile this recipe is; it is easy to customize to your liking with different toppings and additions.

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Ingredients Needed for This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• Salt to taste

Additional Toppings (optional):

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped Kalamata olives
• Pita bread or naan for serving

How to Make This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer, the better!

1. 2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

1. 3. Cook the Rice: While the chicken is marinating, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

1. 4. Make the Cucumber Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the diced cucumber, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

1. 5. Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, mint, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

1. 6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, cucumber salad, and a generous dollop of yogurt sauce.

1. 7. Add Toppings: Garnish with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or any other toppings you like. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or naan for dipping.

How to Serve This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

Serve this Middle Eastern chicken bowl warm and fresh. The contrast of warm chicken and rice with the cool cucumber salad and yogurt sauce is what makes it so appealing. You can also try serving it with a side of hummus or baba ghanoush for an extra layer of flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of za’atar spice for an authentic Middle Eastern touch. If you love hummus, consider trying our recipe!

For a more elegant presentation, arrange the ingredients artfully in the bowl, creating distinct sections for each component. You can even drizzle a little extra olive oil over the chicken for added richness.

How to Store This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

Leftovers of this Middle Eastern chicken bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken, rice, cucumber salad, and yogurt sauce separately to prevent the rice from becoming soggy and the salad from wilting.

To reheat the chicken and rice, microwave on medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a crispier texture. The cucumber salad and yogurt sauce are best served cold.

Freezing is not recommended for the cucumber salad, as it can become watery when thawed. The cooked chicken and rice can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer. Quinoa can be used in place of rice for a gluten free option. Bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or roasted red peppers can also be added and are a great substitute for cucumber salad.
• Success Tips: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) will result in more flavorful and tender meat. Don’t overcook the rice, or it will become mushy.
• Common Mistakes Avoided: Ensure the rice is cooked until all broth as been absorbed. Make sure you don’t add too much water to the rice in order to prevent sogginess.
• Pro Tip for Best Results: Use fresh, high quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the recipe to your liking.

Helpful Notes for This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

For the Greek yogurt, make sure it is a plain, unsweetened variety. Alternatively, use low fat to reduce the amount of calories in the recipe.

If you can’t find za’atar spice, consider making your own unique blend with thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. Adjust the spice levels to your preferences by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Variation of This Middle Eastern chicken bowl Recipe

For a seasonal twist, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes during the fall and winter months. You can also incorporate grilled corn or watermelon during the summer for a refreshing touch.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or falafel. Tofu pieces coated in middle eastern spices can also be use as a plant based substitute.

Conclusion

This Middle Eastern chicken bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The vibrant flavors, textures, and aromas will transport you to the heart of the Middle East with every bite. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave them below. I’d love to hear how you customize your very own Middle Eastern chicken bowl!