Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Easy to make Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal packed with flavor. This recipe brings together tender chicken breast chunks seasoned to perfection, fresh vegetables, and fluffy quinoa. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this bowl is suitable for various occasions—be it a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering with friends. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes this dish uniquely satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The blend of Ras El Hanout and smoked paprika gives the chicken a rich, aromatic taste that you’ll love.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and veggies, this bowl supports a balanced diet.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out vegetables based on what’s in season.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook extra portions and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the Chicken Shawarma Bowl efficiently, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Pot
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ideal for cooking chicken without sticking, ensuring even browning.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Perfect for rinsing quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural coating.
• Pot: Needed for cooking quinoa perfectly with the right water-to-quinoa ratio.

Ingredients

Easy to make Chicken shawarma made with lean chicken breast chunks, seasonings, onions, and tossed in a bowl with salad and quinoa.

For the Chicken

• 3-4 chicken breasts boneless/skinless (cut into small bite-sized cubes)
• 1 tsp. Ras El Hanout seasoning (or shawarma seasoning)
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp. 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 tbsp. olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp. fresh chopped curly parsley

How to Make Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with Ras El Hanout (or shawarma seasoning), smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. If using shawarma seasoning, skip the paprika.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sliced white onion; sauté until translucent.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan; cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer.
2. Rub and swish the quinoa with your hands while rinsing to remove its natural coating until the water runs clear.
3. Drain the quinoa and place it into a pot; add 1.5 cups of water and about 2/3 teaspoon of kosher salt.
4. Set heat to high and boil until liquid is absorbed and tails are visible, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

1. While the quinoa is cooking, chop the red onion, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Add lemon juice, remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt, and ground pepper; toss well to combine.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

1. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
2. To serve, add quinoa to serving bowls as a base.
3. Top each serving generously with chicken shawarma alongside the fresh salad mixture.
4. OPTIONAL: Drizzle additional lemon juice over the chicken shawarma before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Shawarma Bowl!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Serving Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be a delightful experience, allowing for creativity and personalization. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Family Style

• Serve the Chicken Shawarma Bowl on a large platter for sharing. This encourages everyone to dig in together and makes for a fun dining experience.

Individual Bowls

• Prepare individual servings in bowls with layers of quinoa, chicken, and salad. This is perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go lunch.

Wrap it Up

• Use pita bread or flatbreads to wrap the ingredients. This makes for a delicious handheld version of the Chicken Shawarma Bowl that’s great for picnics.

Toppings Station

• Set up a toppings station with extras like feta cheese, olives, or tahini sauce. This allows guests to customize their bowls according to their taste preferences.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Add a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce or tahini dressing on top before serving. It enhances the flavor and adds creaminess to each bite.

How to Perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Perfecting your Chicken Shawarma Bowl involves attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor and nutrition.
• Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate in spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavor profile.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Balance Flavors: Ensure that you have a good mix of flavors—salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy—for an enjoyable bowl.
• Serve Warm: Serve the chicken hot over cooled quinoa. The contrast in temperature adds depth to the dish.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro; they add freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Shawarma Bowl can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent options that complement this dish well.

1. Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing salad made with parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip perfect for spreading on pita or enjoying with fresh veggies.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant grilled until tender add smokiness.
4. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips seasoned with olive oil and spices provide a delightful crunch on the side.
5. Fattoush Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with crispy pita chips and dressed with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Herb-seasoned roasted potatoes make for a hearty side that pairs well with Mediterranean flavors.
7. Yogurt Sauce: A cool yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and cucumber (tzatziki) balances heat from spices.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These flavorful rice-stuffed grape leaves provide an additional layer of Mediterranean flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Chicken Shawarma Bowl, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using unseasoned chicken: Always season the chicken well before cooking. This enhances flavor and makes your dish more enjoyable.
• Skipping quinoa rinsing: Rinsing quinoa removes bitterness. Don’t skip this step for a better taste and texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
• Not letting quinoa cool: Fluff and cool the quinoa before serving. This prevents sogginess when layered with other ingredients.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Use fresh vegetables for your salad. This adds vibrant flavor and nutrients to your Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Freeze components separately if possible.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

What is a Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

A Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delicious meal featuring seasoned chicken served over quinoa and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy dinner.

Can I customize my Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, grains, or dressings based on your preference.

How can I make it spicy?

To add heat, consider incorporating chili flakes or jalapeños into your salad mix or topping your bowl with a spicy sauce.

Is Chicken Shawarma Bowl healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and healthy grains from quinoa, making it a nutritious choice.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables and grains based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy this flavorful meal!