We all love shawarma, that’s a given. Something about it is just so addicting! But what if I tell you that I have another Shawarma recipe with a little twist to it?
Introducing my Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls, a dish like no other. It has everything you need in a perfectly balanced meal; chicken shawarma, salad, rice, and sauce!
These Chicken Shawarma Rice bowls are made of fluffy yellow rice, tender shawarma, and a divine combination of various vegetables. Shawarma is a must-try street food in the Middle East, it became a popular food all over the world.
Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl Delight
The Origin of Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls
There are two different versions of chicken shawarma rice bowls: Filipino and Mediterranean. Both versions are adapted from the traditional Middle Eastern Shawarma. They use the same spiced rice, and they are served with seasoned meat, sauce, and vegetables.
However, the spices and seasonings are different. Plus, the Filipino version usually has beef in it, while the Mediterranean version features chicken shawarma.
This rice dish combines different Middle Eastern flavors to make a delicious yet quick one-pot dish with seasoning, topping, and a drizzle of shawarma sauce which is made of mayo yogurt sauce. You could also enjoy this dish with my garlic sauce.
These Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls are packed with flavor, color, and texture. They’re also SUPER healthy, stuffed with tender chicken. It’s basically a bowl full of flavor and goodness!
Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls for Every Palate!
Different Flavorful Textures with the Right Seasoning
Shawarma chicken seasoning blend contains popular Middle Eastern flavors such as garlic, olive oil, lemon, coriander, cumin, and cardamom. The incredible flavor of this mix will permeate the chicken.
Rice is deliciously seasoned with turmeric, cardamom, and a chicken stock cube. Then comes the best part, because this dinner would be incomplete without this 5-minute white shawarma sauce. The mayonnaise adds creaminess, while the Greek yogurt adds tang.
As you drag your fork through the creamy sultry sauce, you’ll get a savory bite of seasoned rice and tender chicken. The delectable flavor combination of the shawarma chicken, rice, and tangy cool creamy sauce will stay with you for a long time.
It is an unforgettable culinary experience. You will love how delicious it is!
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls are as follows:
For Shawarma:
Chicken breast: Use fresh and rinsed chicken breast to get tender juicy chicken shawarma.
Olive oil: Add olive oil to dilute the heat of spices and get a hearty Mediterranean flavor.
Yogurt: When compared to regular marinades, yogurt tenderizes chicken much more gently.
Spices: Aleppo pepper, shawarma spices, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coriander powder, and salt.
For the Rice:
Basmati rice: the essence of the recipe.
Hot water: to cook our yummy rice.
Garlic powder: the perfect seasoning.
Onion powder: gives a sweet and savory flavor.
Turmeric: natural ink for your rice.
Coriander powder: for the “sweet lemon” flavor.
Oil: you could use any oil of your choice
For the White Sauce:
Mayo: Mayonnaise will add fat, salt, and acidity to the chicken shawarma.
Greek yogurt: It gives a custardy texture.
Cloves garlic: They add a beautiful aroma to the dish!
Lemon and salt
Toppings: Sumac onions, middle eastern pickled cucumbers, pickled turnips, tomato and cucumber salad.
We’re a shawarma-loving family, and these chicken shawarma rice bowls are a favorite among us!
Steps to Prep
First, in a large mixing bowl, add the spices, oil, and yogurt to the chicken breast and mix until all is combined.
Second, cook on a pan on medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes on each side, then let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
Next, make sure to wash the rice and soak it for 20 minutes beforehand.
Then, drain the rice and add the oil to a pot on high heat, then add the drained rice and the spices, and mix well.
After that, add the hot water and let it boil for 5 minutes before reducing the heat to low. Then cover it and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the water is evaporated and the rice is fluffy.
Last but not least, combine all the ingredients of the white sauce in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
Finally, top the rice with chicken, cucumber and tomato salad, your favorite toppings, and white sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Fall in Love with This Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls
Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls Substitutes
Spicy Kick: Marinate the chicken in a spicy shawarma seasoning blend or add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the rice bowl for an extra kick of heat. Serve with a side of hot sauce or harissa for those who enjoy a spicier flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Add chickpeas or falafel for protein, and serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Tips and Tricks
No marinating is required since this is a quick dish.
You could find the shawarma spices online or in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Cut chicken shawarma breasts thinly after cooking them. A clever way to keep chicken juicy!
Reduce the heat when the water level reaches the rice’s surface.
Stick to the timing suggested in the preparation for the best results.
After taking the rice off the heat, cover it and leave it to steam for another 5 minutes. Don’t open the lid or stir the rice until water is evaporated and rice is fluffy.
Use a water-to-rice ratio of 2 cups to 1 cup, the rice will not be evenly cooked if you do not use enough liquid. However, if you use too much liquid, your rice will become gloppy.
Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork.
Prepare a batch of chicken shawarma rice bowls for meal prep by assembling individual servings in containers. Store them in the refrigerator for quick and convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Consider adding fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, or herbs just before serving to add a burst of freshness and texture to the dish.
Experience the Magic of Shawarma in Every Bite
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Allow the chicken shawarma rice bowls to cool completely before storing them. Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Separate Components: If possible, store the rice, chicken, and vegetable toppings separately to maintain their individual textures and flavors. This also prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the components separately to maintain their freshness. Microwave the rice and chicken until heated through.
Indulge Yourself in a Heavenly-Mix Dish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes for sure, use whichever suits you the most. However, in my recipe I used chicken breast.
Shawarma sauce is a delicious, creamy sauce made of garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, and sometimes lemon or lime.
The white sauce can be kept separately for up to a week in a glass container covered with a tight lid.
Must-Try Recipes:
Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
Middle Eastern Vermicelli Rice (Ruz Bil Shi’iriya)
Middle Eastern Spiced Baked Chicken
Authentic Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Palestinian Arayes)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons yogurt
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper sub-paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon shawarma spices
For the Rice
- 1 cup Basmati rice washed and soaked for 20 minutes
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons oil of choice
- 2 cups Hot water
For the White Sauce
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon
- 3 cloves garlic or 2 tablespoons garlic sauce
- salt to taste
For the Toppings
- sumac onions
- Middle Eastern pickled cucumbers
- pickled turnips
- tomato and cucumber salad
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the spices, oil, and yogurt to the chicken breast and mix until all is combined. Cook on a pan on medium high heat for about 4–5 minutes on each side, then let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Make sure to wash the rice and soak it for 20 minutes beforehand.
- Drain the rice and add the oil to a pot on high heat, then add the drained rice and the spices, and mix well.
- Add the hot water and let it boil for 5 minutes before reducing the heat to low. Then cover it and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the water is evaporated and the rice is fluffy.
- Combine all the ingredients of the white sauce in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth.
- Top the rice with chicken, cucumber and tomato salad, your favorite toppings, and white sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can find shawarma spice online or in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
- Turmeric is added just for the color.
- Cut chicken shawarma breasts thinly after cooking them. A clever way to keep chicken juicy!
- While the rice is cooking, don’t uncover the pot or stir the rice.
- Make sure to wash the rice and soak it for 20 minutes beforehand.
- No marinating is required since this is a quick dish.
hello, this looks so YUMMY as do all your recipes and i can’t wait to try. how many servings are in this recipe?? i plan to make it for meal prep. thank you and keep it coming!
Hello! 2-3 servings depending on how much you can eat!
This was sooo good! Thank you so much
This was absolutely perfect for family meal prep! So good!!
Absolutely LOVED this dish!! So easy to make too! I made this for dinner and used the leftovers for lunch the next day. Leftovers were just as good 🙂
Your recipes are always a hit and this was no exception
Excellent quick and healthy recipe.
My family has fallen in love with this dish. They ask for it all the time and so I’ve added it to our regular rotation!
This recipe is made weekly in our house and everyone loves it! We do it with the garlic sauce ☺️
I’m obsessed with this! Love your recipes
I just mad this tonight for my husband and it was really really good! I have to say I let the check marinate over night. And I used jasmine rice and I wish I didn’t let it soak usually I don’t. But other than that it was very very good and fairly easy to make!! Another great recipe!!
Everything about this recipe is on point-From the chicken marinade to the white sauce. This is the closest I’ve ever gotten to recreating Chicken Shawarma at home. Everyone enjoyed it. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
Delicious so simple yet so yummy!!
This and the shawerma wrap recipes are so so good! You have the best recipes 👏🏼
Omg we had this for meal prep last week, and it was so good! My husband and I loved it!!
Hubby loved it! So filling and gets all the nutrients covered in one dish 😀
Super easy too throw together and very yummy!