Quick Chicken Shawarma Bowls

I love a good shawarma, but the thought of marinating chicken for hours always seemed like too much effort for a weeknight meal. That's why I developed this quick chicken shawarma bowl recipe! It delivers all the vibrant, savory flavors of traditional shawarma in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy evenings. You can easily customize the toppings to your liking, and even beginner cooks will find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked rice (basmati or jasmine)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped tomato
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional, for drizzle)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt with chopped parsley and mint in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the bowls by placing a generous portion of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl.
6. Top the rice with the cooked chicken shawarma.
7. Add the chopped red onion, cucumber, and tomato over the chicken.
8. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce and tahini (if using).
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!