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Flavorful Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe with Easy Fresh Garlic Sauce

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A quick and easy chicken shawarma bowl featuring tender, spiced chicken thighs paired with a creamy, tangy fresh garlic sauce, served over rice and fresh veggies for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice or cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: pickled turnips or olives

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, Greek yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Prepare the fresh garlic sauce by mixing mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with finely minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Add a pinch of sugar if desired. Cover and refrigerate.
  4. Cook basmati rice according to package instructions or sauté cauliflower rice lightly with olive oil and salt.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Assemble bowls with warm rice, sliced chicken, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and optional pickled turnips or olives.
  8. Drizzle generously with fresh garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  9. Serve immediately or gently toss before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; resting chicken after cooking keeps it juicy. Use fresh garlic and good-quality spices for best results. For dairy-free, substitute yogurt and mayo with coconut yogurt or avocado-based spreads. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken shawarma, garlic sauce, shawarma bowl, easy dinner, Middle Eastern recipe, quick meal, healthy chicken, fresh garlic sauce

Find it online: https://islatable.com/flavorful-chicken-shawarma-bowl-recipe-with-easy-fresh-garlic-sauce/