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–+ servings
Benjamin

Quick & Flavor-Packed Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl

This Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Bowl is bursting with bold spices, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner, it's a vibrant, customizable bowl full of nourishing flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless and skinless (or chicken breasts)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Base:
  • 2 cups cooked rice quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Fresh Vegetables:
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups lettuce or mixed greens
For Toppings:
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint chopped
  • Optional: pickled onions olives, or feta cheese
For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Water to thin as needed
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Let rest and slice.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Add water gradually to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
  4. Assemble bowls: Start with your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Add the fresh vegetables. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with tahini sauce.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint and optional toppings like pickled onions, olives, or feta cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
  • This dish is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
  • Adjust spice levels to taste by omitting or increasing cayenne pepper.
  • The tahini sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

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