Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Easy to make Chicken Shawarma Bowl offers a delightful way to enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal. This recipe features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and nutritious quinoa, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. With its unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients, this bowl is both satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of Ras El Hanout seasoning and smoked paprika adds an exotic touch that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich quinoa, and fresh vegetables, this bowl supports a balanced diet.
• Versatile Meal Option: Customize your Chicken Shawarma Bowl with your favorite veggies or grains according to your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for busy weekdays; you can make it ahead of time and store it for later.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Chicken Shawarma Bowl, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making it easier to sauté the chicken and onions.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Helps rinse quinoa effectively, removing its natural coating for better texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

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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), paprika, salt, and pepper. If using shawarma seasoning, do not add paprika.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

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

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Add 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 made 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. At first, the water will be whitish; as you let it run, it will get clear. Drain the quinoa and place it into a pot.

Step 5: Cook the Quinoa

Add 1.5 cups of water and about 2/3 tsp of kosher salt to the pot. Set the heat to high and boil until liquid is cooked off and ‘tails’ are visible; this will take about 12–15 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Salad

While the quinoa is cooking, chop the red onion, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley. Combine chopped onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.

Step 7: Dress the Salad

Add lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and ground pepper to the salad mixture. Toss well to combine and garnish with chopped parsley before setting aside.

Step 8: Fluff Quinoa

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

Step 9: Assemble Your Bowls

For serving, add quinoa to each bowl followed by topping each serving with chicken shawarma. Add salad next to it before serving.

Step 10 (Optional): Final Touches

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

How to Serve Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Serving your Chicken Shawarma Bowl can be a delightful experience. It allows for creativity and personalization, making each bowl unique. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving.

Fresh Greens

• Use a base of mixed greens or spinach for added nutrients and freshness.

Pita Bread

• Serve with warm pita bread on the side, perfect for scooping up the chicken and salad.

Tzatziki Sauce

• A cool tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and herbs adds a refreshing contrast.

Hummus

• Include a dollop of hummus for creaminess and flavor; it pairs well with the spices in the chicken.

Extra Lemon Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before eating for an extra zing of flavor.

How to Perfect Chicken Shawarma Bowl

Perfecting your Chicken Shawarma Bowl is all about technique and flavor balance. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose Lean Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option that cooks evenly.
• Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate in spices for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
• Cook Over High Heat: Searing the chicken quickly over high heat helps achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
• Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa to remove its bitter coating and improve the overall taste.
• Let it Cool: Fluff and let your quinoa cool slightly before assembling to prevent wilting fresh ingredients.
• Garnish Generously: Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint as garnishes to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Shawarma Bowl

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

1. Tabbouleh Salad
   A refreshing mix of parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur wheat dressed in lemon juice provides bright flavors.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned assorted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers roasted until tender add depth to your meal.

3. Couscous
   Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs or spices pairs perfectly with chicken and adds a hearty touch.

4. Chickpea Salad
   A protein-rich chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olive oil complements the shawarma beautifully.

5. Falafel Bites
   Crispy falafel made from ground chickpeas adds crunch and is great for dipping in sauces.

6. Stuffed Grape Leaves
   These flavorful rice-stuffed grape leaves provide a unique twist that goes well with Mediterranean dishes.

7. Grilled Eggplant
   Smoky grilled eggplant slices can add richness alongside your bowl’s flavors when seasoned properly.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that balances the savory aspects of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken is not overcooked, as this can lead to dryness. Cook your chicken just until golden brown and no longer pink inside.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not adequately seasoning the chicken can lead to blandness. Use Ras El Hanout or shawarma seasoning generously for rich flavor.
• Underwashing quinoa: Neglecting to rinse quinoa can result in a bitter taste due to its natural coating. Always rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can detract from your dish’s freshness. Opt for fresh, vibrant veggies to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Not cooling quinoa properly: Serving hot quinoa with cold salad can make your bowl unappetizing. Allow the quinoa to cool before assembling your bowl for a balanced temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Keep separate components (chicken, quinoa, salad) if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Freeze components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification.

Reheating Chicken Shawarma Bowl

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken and quinoa on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add chicken and quinoa, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Chicken Shawarma Bowl that might help you out.

What is a Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

A Chicken Shawarma Bowl is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring seasoned chicken served over quinoa and topped with fresh vegetables.

How can I customize my Chicken Shawarma Bowl?

You can customize your bowl by adding different vegetables like spinach, kale, or peppers. You can also switch up the grains by using couscous or bulgur.

Is the Chicken Shawarma Bowl healthy?

Yes! The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference.

How does the seasoning affect the flavor of the bowl?

The seasoning is essential as it infuses the chicken with deep flavors that set the tone for the entire dish. A good balance enhances all components of the bowl.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or grains based on your taste!