Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and nutritious quinoa. This bowl is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that suits any occasion, from casual family dinners to impressive gatherings. The unique blend of spices in this Chicken Shawarma Bowl elevates the dish while ensuring it remains easy to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 35 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal ready for your family or guests.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and quinoa, this bowl is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep, you can customize your Chicken Shawarma Bowl with your favorite toppings and sides.
• Flavorful Spices: The aromatic Ras El Hanout seasoning brings an authentic Mediterranean taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Balanced Nutrition: With balanced protein, carbs, and fats, this bowl provides a complete meal in every serving.

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Tools and Preparation

To make the Chicken Shawarma Bowl successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Preparing everything in advance will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Pot for cooking quinoa
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents the chicken from sticking during cooking and makes cleanup easier.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Ensures that you rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any unwanted coating.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing the salad ingredients together without making a mess.

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: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with Ras El Hanout (or shawarma seasoning), smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. If using shawarma seasoning, omit the paprika.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and sliced white onion; sauté until translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Set aside on a plate (this step can be prepared ahead).

Step 4: Prepare the Quinoa

Using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold running water. Rub and swish it with your hands while rinsing to remove its natural coating. Initially, the water will be cloudy but will turn clear as you rinse.

Step 5: Cook Quinoa

Drain the quinoa and place it into a pot. Add 1.5 cups of water along with about 2/3 tsp of kosher salt. Set heat to high and boil until liquid is absorbed and ‘tails’ are visible—about 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Salad

While quinoa cooks, chop red onion, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley. Combine chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl.

Step 7: Dress Salad

Add lemon juice, two tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and ground pepper to the salad mixture; toss well to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley before setting aside.

Step 8: Fluff Quinoa

When quinoa is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 9: Assemble Bowls

To serve, add cooked quinoa to individual bowls followed by topping each serving with chicken shawarma. Arrange salad next to it for a fresh touch.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touch

Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over each serving of chicken shawarma for extra flavor before serving up!

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Serving your Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a delightful experience that allows you to showcase the vibrant flavors and textures of this Mediterranean dish. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or serving guests, these suggestions will enhance your meal.

Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.
• Mint: Add a few mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Sauces

• Tahini Sauce: Drizzle tahini sauce over the chicken for a creamy texture.
• Yogurt Sauce: Serve with a side of yogurt sauce to balance the spices.

Extra Crunch

• Pita Chips: Pair with crispy pita chips for an added crunch.
• Nuts: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for a nutty flavor.

Grains

• Couscous: Substitute quinoa with couscous for a different grain option.
• Rice: Serve alongside flavored rice, such as lemon or herb rice, to complement the dish.

How to Perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Creating the perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl involves attention to detail and seasoning. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance flavor.
• Marinate Chicken: Marinating chicken overnight will deepen the flavor of your shawarma.
• Cook at High Heat: Searing at high heat helps lock in juices and creates a delicious crust.
• Fluff Quinoa Properly: Fluffing quinoa after cooking allows it to remain light and fluffy.
• Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance between spices, acidity, and creaminess in your bowl.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like olives or feta cheese for extra flair.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Shawarma Bowl can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Tabbouleh: A fresh parsley salad mixed with tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon juice—perfectly refreshing.
2. Hummus: Creamy hummus served with pita bread adds richness and depth to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring out their natural sweetness.
4. Fattoush Salad: A tangy Lebanese salad made with toasted pita and mixed greens adds crunchy texture.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory bites filled with rice and herbs are great finger food options.
6. Olive Tapenade: A spread made from olives adds a salty punch that pairs well with chicken shawarma.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be fun and rewarding, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not properly seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use Ras El Hanout or shawarma seasoning generously for a flavorful result.
• Overcooking the quinoa: If you cook quinoa for too long, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and aim for that fluffy texture by cooking it just until the tails appear.
• Neglecting to rinse quinoa: Failing to rinse quinoa can leave a bitter taste due to its natural coating. Always rinse it well under cold water before cooking.
• Cutting vegetables too large: If your vegetables are cut too large, they may not blend well in the bowl. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better flavor integration.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness to your Chicken Shawarma Bowl. Don’t skip the parsley; it enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Ignoring resting time for chicken: Cutting into chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest briefly before slicing for juicier meat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• For longer storage, freeze components separately (chicken, quinoa, salad).
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; they keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat chicken and quinoa for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place components in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring often, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken and quinoa in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Chicken Shawarma Bowl.

What type of chicken is best for a Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.

Can I make Chicken Shawarma Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for maximum freshness.

What variations can I try with my Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

Feel free to customize with different veggies like carrots or spinach, or even swap the quinoa for brown rice or couscous for variety.

Is this Chicken Shawarma Bowl healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious veggies, making it a wholesome meal option.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Shawarma Bowl is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or grains. Whether you’re meal prepping or creating a cozy dinner at home, give this recipe a try and enjoy its wonderful flavors!